Sighted in the past week in central Indiana... no bush signs/bumper

[salin]

stickers... and several Kerry bumper stickers (in Indy) and slews of Kerry signs in liberal college town, Bloomington. Interesting thing, is there are republicans in this humble college city - and usually they put out signs. But while I see signs for (repub) county council and commissioners, and one for congress, I have not seen bush signs nor Daniels signs in neighborhoods where usually a few show up.

Early on saw lots of Daniels support in Indianapolis. Daniels (for governor) is now running ahead of Gov Kernan. But the visible displays of support for Daniels have all but disappeared, while support for Kernan has suddenly appeared.

This is not to say that Kerry has a shot in Indiana (the reddest part of the bible-rust belt)... but it suggests that the support is not nearly as strong as it was 4 years ago (when many signs of support were visible for W.) If that is the case here... I would guess that his support is soft elsewhere in the midwest/rust belt.

Anyone notice any "representing" (i.e., willingness to represent ones support in visible ways) trends that differ this time around?

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Yep. Northwest Arkansas

which is the reddest part of this state. For the first time, I've seen Kerry and other Democratic signs in Boone County. Although there are Bush/Cheney signs, except for one in front of a fundamentalist church, they are small. And there are more signs out for local Republican candidates-some yards have only those.

[salin]

5. This is one of the things I have found interesting

as if folks still want to support the "party" (at least locally), but are not as enthusiastic (or willing?) to support the top of the ticket. Glad to hear there are signs supporting Kerry. The significance, I would guess, is that the pressure not to stick out or call attention to one's stand (and the property upon which one is making that stand).... is outweighed by the strength of the conviction that all things bush is too dangerous. Of course - I am going long on suppositions - with nothing but speculation to back it up. COuld also be that there is a very active Kerry supporter that it is doing a better job of getting people to agree to put signage up. But that, too, is good psychologically, to be seen. Quiet democrats, independents, and even some old time Republicans who are discontent with teambush, might have more courage (and hope) to go against the (local) mainstream - if they get the idea that they are not alone in doing so...

[cmd]

22. So that's why got all those stares (glares) when I was in Harrison

I didn't realize I was visiting Bush country, but I did notice cold glances when people would see the Kerry button on my purse. My dad lives on the edge of Harrison.

[The_Casual_Observer]

2. Freeps are ashamed that they support that nut

simply because of the tax cut, but there you have have it.

[salin]

6. could be... especially if they are not of the

social/christian side of the party .. then the common sense about how BAD things are is active - but the greed keeps winning out.

[hippiechick]

3. 4 K/E for every 1 Bush/Cheney on the northside

... seeing K/E lawn signs too ... oddly though, seeing more 'My Man Mitch' signs & stickers than 'Kernan/Davis'.

Was in Fishers this afternoon and of course Mitch outdoes there Kernan probably 3/1. Almost no presidential stickers/signs at all.

It amazes me that the average person around here hasn't made the connection between Mitch and Eli Lilly ... should he win, Indiana
will be the state of Lilly, by Lilly and for Lilly.

Cheap Canadian drugs ? Don't count on it ...
Lilly being sued in lawsuits by the State ? Don't count on it ...


:shrug:

[salin]

7. Do you think the IPALCO ads will have any impact?

I think they look very effective... but then again when I see them, the ad plays to the choir...

[hippiechick]

17. A little, maybe ...

I can't for the life of me figure out why Kernan's people are running such a low-key campaign. It's almost like he doesn't care if he doesn't win ...

Every time the Dems mention IPALCO, Daniels' campaign comes back with 'But he had to sell his stake in order to take his position with the Bush Administration, therefore what he did was 100% honorable' blah blah ...

I'd be hitting the Lilly connection, combined with the 'Bush's Budget Manager, and look at the national debt ... so what's he gonna do to Indiana?' issues as often as possible, rather than using the fairly ineffective IPALCO thing.


:shrug:

[salin]

19. There seems to be a sense in this state

that when the campaigns hit TOO negative, the public reacts poorly. Thus many are a little tepid on the state-wide level. That is NOT true on the local level (at least down in Monroe County) - though the current elections are relatively tame compared to the last county elections. It is the only explanation that I have heard offered for the soft-hitting Kernan ads that makes any sense.

[dietdpfan]

4. A lot of Kerry support in AZ

I've noticed a lot of Kerry yard signs and bumperstickers. I even saw a couple of people wearing buttons and t-shirts with the Kerry/Edwards logo at my local organic grocer the other day!

Our conservative paper keeps reporting that this state is pretty much a given for * but I do not see where they are getting that idea.

Arizona is Kerry country without a doubt! I can't wait to see the eyes pop out of all the Repukes heads when Kerry takes Arizona in a landslide. It will be fun!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[salin]

8. So he can "Kerry" Arizona?

:D

[dietdpfan]

10. Yuk, yuk, yuk.

Good one! :silly:

[Hello_Kitty]

28. I have a Kerryzona! bumper sticker. n/t

[kori]

9. I just came back from Indy too

I did see some signs for bush and some for Kerry but not many of either. What I did do was talk to friends and family. It was somewhat depressing. My very best friend was so rabid in his Bush support he really did not want to hear anything at all. He also registered his wife for the first time and his niece. My daughter and her husband both said they were going to register and vote for Kerry, could not stand bush. But I fear those votes may never happen. My Mom did not want to really discuss anything, she just listened politely and asked what i wanted for supper. My brother in Law who is running as a republican and was in the past a democrat listened but refused to engage. I am certain he feels obligated to support bush since republicans are helping in his campaign but his support is not only soft it may not happen in the privacy of the polling booth.
The real surprise was my sister. Her first words to me was, I can not believe that there are still so many bush supporters, but she was uncertain about Kerry. After I was done she was certain Kerry would get her vote. One of the men I went fishing with said basically the same and will support Kerry too. The other one did not want to hear anything about that traitor Kerry. So out of the people i had contact with there were 6 Bush votes, Four Kerry votes assuming two will vote, and one who just tolerated her sons rambling. Thats pretty close to the recent polls.

[salin]

11. Close to recent polls nation-wide

but not close to voting habits in Indiana. I spend half of my time in B-ton - and that is NOT representative of the state. The other half is in Indy.

Two rabid bush supporter... registering 2 other voters (who is to say how they might vote... probably the same, but not necessarily.) One obligated voter who listened but said little (and who knows how that vote will go in the privacy of the booth). Waivering other voters...

As the news cycle has begun to turn against W - (as it has through much of the year until just after the dem convention) - more information will get out. It won't touch the two rabid W folks - and due to the obligatin may not touch your brother in law. However, your talking about Kerry and conditions under Bush - likely opened some ears to the news - once pricked the ears start hearing more of the bad news (economy, war, etc.) that one previously glazed over. My guess is that you did more than just swing some possible voters to Kerry... you may have just planted the seeds that move to be even stronger (esp in terms of anti bush) over the next six weeks - due to the newly opened ears. My suggestion - to try to solidify the Kerry votes... send every mainstream news article/item that you run across that has any information what soever on the topics that you discussed this weekend. With each word read - more of that anger/dread that those of us already aware feel, will begin to touch the newly awakened.

Yes, the reality of the closed minded here (and elsewhere) can be frustrating. But I think there is more fertile ground here than there has been in the past (because the bush team is just that AWFUL) - but that the media doesn't (alone) get the word out- it is up to us to find the leverage points and start feeding news info on those points.

Good luck.

salin

[annabanana]

12. I would like to believe the news cycle has begun to turn.........

but I'm afraid that even CBS (the only network that is less than 25% Saudi owned) has been compromised. Air America Radio is the only reliable news outlet now (and Democracy Now, if you can find it)

[salin]

13. Hasn't turned in the sense of investigative coverage

but attention to the HUGE failures in Iraq - and the bush mismanagement thereof - is finally coming back to the front pages in a very, very big way. THis is what plagued him from January through June/July. The swiftie liars and the bush/cheney obscene charges that Kerry would inadvertedly support terrorists - changed the dialogue and made the campaign, the false charges, and Kerry's response the main topic of news coverage... but that has shifted in the past week or so. Meanwhile the bad reports from Iraq have increased in the past 3 weeks - not due to trying to get bush - but due to the seriously deteriorating conditions - which FORCES the media coverage.

[kori]

29. I grew up in Indiana, went to school in Bloomington

Went to Indianapolis to live for about three years. My home was a hog farm and my parents both teachers. There is a world of difference now, and then, between Bloomington, Indianapolis, Northwest Gary area and the rest of the state. I think you are right though, there is some movement among normally conservative republicans in the state and Bush. Senator Lugar is well respected in the state and has asked some tough questions of Bush. I do not know if there is enough to even make the state close, but maybe.

I have sent numerous emails and left the Clark book, "Against all enemies" to be passed to others too.

AN interesting story about voting habits in Indiana. In 1960 my family being Catholic voted for Kennedy. In our precinct there were three votes for Kennedy, my mom, my dad, and an obvious mistake VBG

[kori]

30. One last point

I found this true in New York and Indiana, if they are rabid Bush supporters they will not even listen, respond only with anger and avoid any discussion. With the swing voters I made little head way in talking about Kerry and his proposals, I made great headway talking about Bush, and just the point of how worse could it be? The anybody but Bush idea seems still to be the turning point. Keep hitting the lies, the misleading on Iraq, the budget, the cost of the Medicare proposal. Counter the he keeps us safe argument with ending the cops program and the loss of first responders nationwide. When they said at least we have not been attacked again. I responded with are you sure that is because Bush made us safer or Osama has not tried? My favorite line there was no one since Richard the Lion Hearted has done more to unify Islam than George Bush, I will give him credit for that. Now instead of killing each other they want to kill us and those who might want to support us. I know thats oversimplified but, hey no more than Repubs throw out every day.

[southlandshari]

14. Yes in Alabama!

I am seeing more Kerry-Edwards bumper stickers here than I am Bush-Cheney '04.

I know this may be in part because I am very likely to notice a K-E sticker, and might possibly tune out the others. That said, I've made a conscious effort in the past week or so to look for both, and I honestly believe the K-E stickers outnumber those for B-C (if you don't count those from 2000) in my town.

I credit local Democratic leaders for their hard work on this, and the College Democrats at Auburn University in particular. They are doing a fantastic job of getting the word - and the vote - out. Young people that any caring parents would be proud to call their own!

[salin]

15. Excellent to hear.

A number of years ago I spent some time in your fair state. Found a number of democrats who would never vote red. That was more due to the long ties to supporting a safety network and the sense that the repubs were corrupt corporate types out to screw everyone else. I would have to categorize the folks I spent time with (the younger generation and their parents) as old new-deal democrats (hence why they were still tied to the dem party, even if they didn't fully agree on other topics.) I got the sense that though it wasn't in vogue to voice such opinions (due to the strength of public sentiment from the bible belter social conservatives) that there were a number of the old new-deal type democrats under the surface... it would be great if that sentiment would be tapped into during this election cycle.

[southlandshari]

16. Dems & Repubs in AL state politics - often very little difference

Alabamians have had a succession of corrupt governors and (to some extent) legislators from both parties that expands my entire lifetime. Yes, we bear responsibility for their power, because we elected them. But we far too often find ourselves choosing the lesser of two evils around here. I'm not saying there haven't been exceptions, and I hope that trend will continue. But for now, "Democrat" doesn't mean as much as it should in my state, so it is critical to really look at local/state candidates closely, regardless of party affiliation.

As a matter of fact, I am nowhere near ruling out voting to help re-elect Alabama's current Republican governor unless his Democratic challenger offers some real vision for our state. Gov. Bob Reilly proposed a significant package of changes to our antiquated and regressive state tax code last year that would have greatly relieved the tax burden of low income families in Alabama and distributed taxes in various categories (income, property, sales...) much more equitably.

His strongest base of support on Amendment One? Democrats, progressives, and rural black communities. Not enough, though, as it was soundly voted down, thanks in large part to extensive lobbying and the spread of misinformation by those with interests in large corporate interests in the state AND the incredibly corrupt PTB at the state's Christian Coalition chapter (even the national CC opposed the state chapter's stance!).

Reilly staked his political future in this state on something he believed was in our best interest, knowing full well the backlash that would come his way from the deepest pockets and most powerful folks in Alabama. We need more like him, no matter what their party affiliation.

[salin]

18. I remember that effort - very politically courageous.

Would have to agree that sometimes, when office holders really are trying to work on behalf of the citizens of the state - and in that case (an increase of money for the social net that was/has crumbled from its already weak state) there is no doubt, we need to support them.

I wish you, and your state, the best.

[Bullshot]

20. Send some of that Indiana mentality to NW Ohio.

You can't throw a dead cat around where I live without it hitting a Bush/Kerry sign.

(No cats were harmed in the production of this post.)

[salin]

23. Wish I could...

it might make a difference in Ohio (while not in Indiana... *sigh*)

[Dark]

27. Some good news about SW Ohio,

I was at Oktoberfest in Cin and I saw about half and half stickers. That is DAMN good for this part of Ohio, which tipically leans to the right.

[Oilwellian]

21. Very few Bush signs/bumper in rural SW Virginia

I have only seen 3, let me repeat that 3, Bush/Cheney yard signs in a very conservative county of Virginia. There are also very few Bush bumper stickers on cars. What I do see are a LOT of Kerry/Edwards stickers, and a smattering of yard signs. By FAR there's more OPEN support for Kerry.
:toast:

This week, I'm having a HUGE Kerry/Edwards sign put in the field next to our house and will be seen by at least 1000 people a day. I live on a road that is the only way in or out for hundreds of rural dwellers, plus a cement plant with a union. :D

[salin]

24. I read an article last weekend

(can't remember the source, except that it was pretty mainstream) that indicated that Virginia was one of the most likely "southern" states to go for Kerry. I put the quotes around southern, as it didn't quite feel southern when I lived in NoVa back in the mid-eighties. Granted, at the time NoVa was often considered as much a part of the rest of the state as Detroit is considered to be part of Michigan by the rest of that state (where I lived in the early nineties.) That aside, your post would reconfirm the sentiments of the article.

[noamnety]

25. here in michigan

At the renaissance festival, I saw two kerry pins, two kerry shirts, no bush stuff at all, today. Last weekend, 4 or 5 kerry/anti-bush shirts, no bush supporters.

Bumper stickers running about 3(Kerry) to 2(Bush) or better on the highway, more even in my county which is more republican than average, but the Kerry ones I see are severely enthusiastic - not just one sticker, but plastered not only on the back but also the sides of the cars, with jackets with kerry buttons hanging in the backseat windows, or rows of stickers on related issues, or for multiple democratic candidates. In short, the Kerry folks appear much more likely to be using their car to actively inform others about something.

[Hanover_Fist]

26. Vancouver Washinton

Running about two bush to every five Kerry.