Election Eve ’08: Yes, there are Republicans in West Seattle

Coming back from downtown, we were a few cars back at the Fauntleroy/35th stoplight when those sign-wavers outside the strip mall caught our eye – and we managed to fish out the video camera in time to snag that short clip. What you don’t see are the Obama signwavers just offscreen to the left; light turned green, and the steer-with-left-hand, shoot-with-right-hand maneuver doesn’t work so well in the rain. Remember – send us your Election Day pix/clips, all day and night tomorrow – Election Eve stuff welcome tonight too, we’ll post more later. (Election side note – we have mentioned a couple of these here already, but the fabulous Monica @ the P-I’s Big Blog has compiled the “7 Election Day Freebies” list.) ADDED 6:40 PM: Went back to 35th/Fauntleroy so we could get out of the car for a better shot (and audio, given all the hooting and hollering of the Obama signwavers) of the scene. Discovered the biggest Republican sign had been swapped out while we were away – the one with the hammer and sickle wasn’t there when we passed by earlier:

Click pic to play video

If you’re wondering about the Beren sign – he’s the Republican challenging Seattle’s incumbent Congressman Jim McDermott. More Election Eve coverage to come!

Rhonda Porter November 3, 2008 (6:12 pm)

I think the yards without signs are republicans. ;)

GenHillOne November 3, 2008 (6:12 pm)

lol, Poltergeist reference

tnc November 3, 2008 (6:36 pm)

i agree with Rhonda!!

GB November 3, 2008 (6:37 pm)

Yeah Rhonda!!

Suits are not boring November 3, 2008 (7:00 pm)

KING 5 news just reported there has been a crackdown on the Strabucks plan. I guess there is a law that you cannot give anyone something for free as a reward for voting – so everyone who asks for it will get a free 12 oz coffee tomorrow.
http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_110308WAB_starbucks_free_coffee_TP.179d1864a.html

J November 3, 2008 (9:14 pm)

Hey, please drive carefully! Cameras could be even worse than cell phones for distracting drivers. We love the rich diversity of coverage here, but not at the cost of safety–yours, or others’!

Joe the Electrician November 3, 2008 (9:59 pm)

Yes Rhonda, we all need to pollute our yards with ugly signs. With no checks and balances in place, the next four years will be interesting.

KM November 4, 2008 (1:54 am)

A hammer and sickle? Seriously?

I’m hoping Obama gets to really work on improving education in this country—and quickly.

Jack Loblaw November 4, 2008 (5:55 am)

We do not have a yard sign because we do not want our property vandalized by those who only know physical force as a way to express their viewpoint

GenHillOne November 4, 2008 (6:29 am)

Agreed, KM, my first comment was posted before the photos were updated and I’m disappointed to see the hammer and sickle. I watched a news story of how McCain supporters drove away a whack job handing out similarly-designed bumpers stickers at one of his events because they knew it was an ignorant tactic. I thought WS was above that :(

JenV November 4, 2008 (6:51 am)

those fools don’t have a positive message – their only option is to try to smear Obama. How sad. I saw them last night: The Obama supporters were out smiling, waving- and the sad, dour repugs were sitting there…with their negative signs…in the rain. About sums it up, dontcha think? Now, I am off to vote- I got up early on purpose to be there when the polls open! :D

moreofthesame November 4, 2008 (8:08 am)

Well said Jack. Your sign would probably be vandalized because people can’t handle others thinking differently than them, and that’s just sad (no, I am not a republican). I thought election were about having your voice be heard (maybe that’s only for swing states)?

Westwood Resident November 4, 2008 (8:17 am)

Jen

You are LYING!!!
I WAS THERE!!!
I was holding the one of the signs and NOT one of us was looking dour and sad. We were waving at EVERYONE, even those giving us the thumbs down or the “one fingered salute”
I had one exchange with a young woman in a car at the red light.
She was a “one-finger salute” giver. Then she rolled down her window a started spouting F-Bombs and calling us idiots, saying we had no right to be out there. I accused her of showing us her IQ.
She did have a point though – Obama isn’t a socialist…HE IS A MARXIST.
Oh, while she was throwing out those F-Bombs and showing a VERY INTOLERANT VIEW of opposing speech, she had two kids around 5 and 7 in the back seat. WHAT A WAY TO SET AN EXAMPLE OF HOW AN ‘ADULT’ SPEAKS TO OTHERS NOT TO MENTION HER CHOICE OF WORDS.
And before you accuse me of cussing at her…I have a bit more sense than to use that type of language in public, esp. with kids around.
WR

Westwood Resident November 4, 2008 (8:23 am)

If I had to take a guess as to the amount of wavers and thumb downers we saw; I would guess it was about 45% wavers and 55% thumbs down.
Of course the majority of people did neither, so take that for what it’s worth.
Oh, one more thing…After a while two Obama supporters showed up to wave their signs also.
And you know what? We were all smiling and waving and enjoying being out in the rain together, expressing our 1st Amendment Rights. There was NO bantering between us, no arguments, no shoving each other out of the way.
WR

WSB November 4, 2008 (8:33 am)

Now, everybody calm down. I passed the group twice as noted above and I did see cheery smiles and waves, although as the second clip shows, the McCain/Palin signholders at that point looked a little stoic – I have to say I probably did too, shooting from across the street, as it was cold and rainy. We write frequently here about the lack of civic participation at neighborhood meetings on occasion and I do applaud someone who gives enough of a hoot to go stand in the rain and wave signs. I, meantime, almost ran over pedestrians in the Fauntleroy crosswalk (no, I wasn’t holding a camera, it was just hard to see them) while turning right from 35th to Fauntleroy. Tough night to be sign-waving.

Take Back The Country November 4, 2008 (8:40 am)

We’re better off with Obama’s so called “socialism” than we ever would be with John “Adolf” McCain’s facism. Far right wing fear tactics and institutionalized bigotry are not what this country needs, which is why we as a country won’t be voting for the unwarranted religious extremism of the republican party this year.

Jen V. November 4, 2008 (8:42 am)

Westwood Resident – I was not LYING as you say. That is what I observed at the time that I was at the stoplight. This would have been right around 7pm. Unless you have video to prove otherwise, I will stand by what I witnessed with my own two eyes.

Oh, by the way – Obama is not a marxist, and you are uninformed and kinda scary. Cheers to you and happy election day!

Stuart November 4, 2008 (8:52 am)

Westwood Resident –
I also drove past you…didn’t acknowledge you one way or another, at least not openly.
Here’s what disappointed me…not that you were exercising your free speech, which is a-ok.
That you were exercising it in a negative way.
A, might I say, somewhat hateful way.
Yes, the Obama supporters were there too, with simple Obama signs. But, your sign, with the hammer and sickle…just sickened me as I drove past.
If Obama does prove victorious tonight, please check back in with us in, say a year or two and let us know how you’re doing under this Marxist. I’ll venture to guess you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Have a good Election Day.

GenHillOne November 4, 2008 (8:55 am)

Yuck. Now THAT sways my vote.

Message aside, bolds and all caps are so unnecessarily obnoxious.

JoB November 4, 2008 (9:23 am)

Westwood Resident…

step away from the Kingen bus and sanity will return.

Westwood Resident November 4, 2008 (10:08 am)

If you went there at 7:00 PM then you saw people that had been there for 3 – 3.5 hours. So yes they were tired and wet and cold, but when I passed there at around 6:45, they were still waving and smiling(and yes the same people were they as when I was – I had to get to a function at 6:00, so I left early).
Sorry, but ANYONE who says “Sharing the wealth is a good thing” WILL not get my vote. That is a MAIN TENANT of Socialism/Marxism.
Yes I know that there are many programs that exist today that the gov’t runs that could be called “socialistic” SS is one, welfare is another. I have no problem helping people who want help, but for those that EXPECT the gov’t to take care of them? Sorry – get off your a$$ and do it yourself!!!
Sorry Stuart, I don’t think we will be doing better, esp when Obama wants to raise taxes on those making $250K, or was it $200k, maybe it was $150K or as Richardson said $120K. Notice that the figure get lower and lower every time Obama, Biden or his prominent supports speak. People get into business to MAKE money. I have yet to be hired for a job by a poor person.
I can’t support Obama for some very serious ideological differences and one BIG personal reason (his association with a KNOWN, UNREPENTANT, DOMESTIC TERRORIST – William Ayers). Now I concede that he may not known of Ayers past when he met him, however unlikely that is, but that fact that he CONTINUED to associate with him after he found out, was a show stopper for me.
Either way, if he wins I will pray that he is right and has a successful Presidency.
I just hope that nothing happens here as is being reported as happening in Philly. There, it has been reported that The Black Panthers are blocking access to polling places in traditionally Republican areas. Not sure as to the veracity of the report, it was a preliminary report.
WR

JenV November 4, 2008 (10:24 am)

so….it’s ok if McCain hangs with a KNOWN, UNREPENTANT, DOMESTIC TERRORIST, but not for Obama. Gotcha. You repugs and your double standards make me ILL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/05/05/g-gordon-liddy-john-mccai_n_100134.html
.
All you repugs think that some day you’re magically going to get rich if you vote with the rich people. Sorry, it doesn’t work that way- they want to keep you and I exactly where we are right now. I for one welcome a little spreading of the wealth- it surely wont affect me in any way, but it would be nice to see the rich pay their fair share for once.
.

take your ALL CAPS VITRIOL somewhere else. this is election day, and Grampy McBush and Caribou Barbie are going to lose…and she will be impeached as Governor of Alaska to boot.

KatieMcA November 4, 2008 (10:27 am)

Anyone else notice the irony of the sign in the bottom corner of the picture with the McCain-Palin sign? I’m sure healthcare will continue to be affordable when our benefits are taxed… Thanks but no thanks McCain!

GenHillOne November 4, 2008 (10:29 am)

lol again, not one single positive arguement for McCain…sure love to talk about Obama a lot though. WR, I encourage you to bring your discussion to the forum; obviously you are passionate. Been there?

Westwood Resident November 4, 2008 (10:36 am)

Looks like the Black anther story was true.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCeD1RcJjAg
What buildings has Liddy bombed? How many people has Liddy killed? How many riots has Liddy organized and participated in?
Hmm…the top 10 percent of earners in this country pay 80% of the taxes, I think they do pay their share.
One question though…Do you know how much you need to earn to be considered to be in the top 20% of earners? The amount would surprise you.
Huffpo!!! That is rich, I’ll bet you read DailyKOS also, btw, how did that Trig is not Sarah’s baby thing work out?
Oh and Palin has been CLEARED of ALL charges in the “Troopergate.”
“ANCHORAGE — A report released Monday by a state board found that Gov. Sarah Palin did not apply improper pressure to try to dismiss a state trooper who was her former brother-in-law and did not violate state ethics laws in the firing of her public safety commissioner.

The report by the Alaska Personnel Board contradicts the conclusions last month of a separate inquiry into the matter overseen by a bipartisan legislative panel. The earlier inquiry found that Palin had breached a state ethics act by pressing to have Trooper Mike Wooten fired. That panel said, however, that the governor was within her rights to fire Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan.

The personnel board’s report, based on an investigation led by independent counsel Timothy Petumenos, concluded that there was no evidence to prove Palin or any state employee had acted improperly in Monegan’s dismissal.
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/386270_trooper04.html
So there is one disappointment for you today. I hope that you will have at least two more (Obama AND Gregoire losing)
WR

JenV November 4, 2008 (10:52 am)

crazy is as crazy does, WWR. enjoy yourself.

Westwood Resident November 4, 2008 (11:13 am)

Then we are all crazy!!! ;-)
Enjoy yourself too and if you haven’t yet…GO VOTE!!!

Veteran For Obama November 4, 2008 (12:24 pm)

History will see today as the day Americans said “NO” to the right wing facism that has been invading our country in recent years and YES to liberty and freedom.

Chris November 4, 2008 (1:26 pm)

Good for them. Nothing but credit should go to those who chose to show their support. Takes some guts to do so in such a close minded liberal town. Mccain / Palin all the way !

Ashamed to be a West Seattle Republican November 4, 2008 (1:32 pm)

yes, there are republicans in west seattle, even from dupage county outside chicago which has the 2nd highest percentage of republicans in the entire country.
today i am ashamed to be one of them.
the negativity, the mud slinging and total falsehoods and lack of direction have made me vote outside my party for the last 3 elections. no bush, no mccain, NO WAY!
i would rather pay more in taxes than vote for the amazingly poor choice that we have on the republican ticket this year. this is no longer your daddy’s gop. VOTE!!!!

Stuart November 4, 2008 (2:07 pm)

To Chris:
No one on this comments section is angry because of the McCain supporter showing support for her candidate.
What is angering is the manner in which she chose to show her support…with a baiting, negative sign which is nothing but a lie.
If you’d like, I can point you to a YouTube clip of McCain voicing the EXACT SAME tax plan on the wealthy (SOCIALISM, they cry!) that Obama is hoping to put forward. Only when McCain started to run for President did he change his tune. And, the clip is not edited in a way to prove a point. It’s right there, his voice, his views on taxes, from 2000 through 2005, exactly the same alleged SOCIALISM that Repubs are now pinning on Obama.

Ultimately, my fellow American and West Seattleite, this is why folks are so angry. Tell us WHY you want McCain, based in TRUTH. Don’t call ‘us’ liberal and close-minded. Tell us WHY without smearing Obama. We may not agree, but, we’ll listen (and probably have a healthy argument).
But the smears, that has no place in West Seattle or anywhere else.

Hope everyone’s election day is peaceful.

Stuart November 4, 2008 (2:20 pm)

Eh, here ya go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8EyGpOU3qM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2JPbQOHEkY

Now, please stop calling Obama a Socialist. Disagree with him on other issues or beliefs.
But let’s cut the Socialist stuff. It’s divisive and negative.

Enjoy the day, whomever wins this evening.

JenV November 4, 2008 (2:44 pm)

Stuart- the new voice of reason in WS. Thank you very much! :D

JoB November 4, 2008 (3:12 pm)

It says a lot about your candidate when the only way you can win an election is to call the opposition names.

back away from the kingen bus. it is poisoning your mind.

Westwood Resident November 4, 2008 (3:46 pm)

Here are some of the reasons I will not vote Obama

1 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rb6EE3C7uWE
2 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TG4fe9GlWS8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16aBNduAyQ4
3 -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIF2NDY0Ixc
4 – http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&newwindow=1&safe=off&rlz=1B3GGGL_enUS262US262&q=obama+BAIPA&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title#
5 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owA2geM8OGg&feature=related
6 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hdi4onAQBWQ
7 – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZxnT5tHVIo

Stuart November 4, 2008 (4:30 pm)

Okay, I’ll bite.

You’re for the Iraq war. Fine. We’ll agree to disagree on this.

You’re against abortion. Again, your CHOICE. Whether others should be forced to follow your choice is the ultimate argument on this.
For instance, I’m Jewish, so, I or a relative of mine who doesn’t follow your faith should live by your rules? Food for thought, I hope, but, I’d imagine we’d never agree on this.
However, this lie about Obama amd partial birth abortion debunked here:
http://www.ontheissues.org/Social/Barack_Obama_Abortion.htm

Obama on Coal (and last time I checked, coal wasn’t a huge problem in WA, but, again, you give it as a reason)
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/02/palin-knocks-obama-over-months-old-coal-comments/

And you put in a clip about Joe The Plumber and ‘spreading the wealth’.
Fine, believe what you must, but, also, see the clips above in a previous response which have McCain putting forth THE EXACT SAME THINGS as the things you are so against, previous to him running for President.

Hope your election day is going well.

Stuart November 4, 2008 (4:41 pm)

Eh, one more piece of tax stuff:
Obama (and McCain’s previous views)are not socialism – its a progressive tax which we’ve had since taxes began. And its not socialism when the money for taxes goes towards building hospitals, schools, paying police forces, building infrastructures- those things benefit everyone.

So, I think I’m done for the night.
Enjoy the outcome, whatever it might be!

Westwood Resident November 5, 2008 (8:13 am)

“And its not socialism when the money for taxes goes towards building hospitals, schools, paying police forces, building infrastructures- those things benefit everyone.”

Yes, I whole heartily agree with that statement there. It is not socialism.

But what I am talking about is the taxing of the “rich” to give to those that don’t have, and here is the important part of my argument, ARE NOT willing to try to get on their own. There are many who fit that category.

I have no problem with assisting those that are putting forth a good will effort in bettering themselves and those that are unable to, but for those that believe it is up to the general population to take care of them, NO WAY.

Either way, America spoke last night and we have a new, and historic result. I may not agree with a lot Obama’s policies, but I wish him all the success imaginable. I hope he DOES prove me wrong about my opinions of his policies. I will support him, as I have supported EVERY president since I became an adult. But I will not follow blindly in to the night. I will speak out on things I disagree with, as is my right.

Again Congratulations to President-Elect Obama. May God light your path and keep you safe as you begin this great task placed upon you.
WR

Westwood Resident November 5, 2008 (8:33 am)

Stu,
I am not totally against abortion. What I am against is the “Late-Term” abortions and the withholding of treatment from those born alive after a botched abortion.
And factcheck.org disagrees with you on Obama’s stance on the BAIPA.
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/obama_and_infanticide.html
Yes I support the Iraq War, but I’m one who thinks we should have gone back in, in Aug 1991 when the UN found Saddam in material breach of the cease fire accords signed in April of that year.
http://www.casi.org.uk/info/undocs/gopher/s91/24
I will say that Bush/Rumsfeld mismanaged the war and the strategy of “The Surge” should have been put in place MUCH MUCH sooner. But then hindsight is 20/20, kinda like armchair quarterbacking.
As far as taxes, I am not against taxes, I am against the way Obama and, for the most part, democrats, want to spend those taxes. Call it a philosophical difference.
WR

Sorry, comment time is over.