1/30/2008

Historic Obama Election Night Live Blog. Nov. 4 2008

Gay guys lose gay marriage, Prop 8 in CA, plus AZ and FL

Election Night (11/04/2008)
Powered by: CoveritLive
2:21
 Andy Towle:  Hi Towleroad readers - welcome to our live-blog. As this is the first time we've done this I'm not sure exactly how it's going to work, but I'll be posting video clips, photos, links, and comments from readers. It will probably likely be much like our regular blog to start off - and at the same pace. I welcome you, and also welcome you to send in your comments, as well as photos and reports to tips@towleroad.com
2:23
 Andy Towle:  I'm sure I'll be getting a lot of comments - they'll be moderated and I won't be approving all of them, but if you have specific reports or thoughts related to the election or items I post, please send them along.
2:26 [Video file] YouTube: nDq9UIheSf4 Play
2:27
 Andy Towle:  You may have heard that Obama won the Dixville Notch vote this morning. Here's a video clip explaining the history of that vote (above).
2:27
 [Comment From Mr. GuyTVBlog]
Just saw here in Texas channel 5 news that there is no "record" turn out for voters at one of their "hot spot" locations. They assume everyone voted early or before they went to work. The news caster even thought we were going to see a shot of a long line and the other newscaster at the "hot spot" disappointed by saying "no lines here". Is this a common thing over other states, no record turnout at local "hot voting spots"?
2:28
 [Comment From Tom]
Hi, When do you think we will learn about Prop 8? Very late? Or does California report pretty quickly?
2:29
 Andy Towle:  I have heard that the Prop 8 vote is going to be very tight. I have some photos from a reader who's volunteering in Fremont that I'll post shortly.
2:35
 [Comment From M. Rafalow]
I heard a report that in Harlem, NYC, voter turnout is so high that some have waited 2-3 hours to place their vote.  Manhattanites are wondering if voter hours will need to be extended.
2:35
 [Comment From Roy]
I am in Beverly Hills.....I have had co-workers wait in line over an hour to cast their vote. I voted early by absentee
2:35
 [Comment From Steven in Miami]
Also they are saying that Colorado isn't have a huge turn out either......light to moderate turn out.....hope that doesn't swing it back to the red side of things
2:35
 [Comment From rock]
In my district in Mpls. lines were down the block. I have not in 12 yrs seen that many people waiting to vote at 10:00 in the morning, it took me 1 1/2 hrs to get through
2:36
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2:36
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2:38
 Andy Towle:  These are some shots from our reader Joe Rodriguez (he's pictured). He's working for "No on 8" in Fremont, California.

Joe writes: "We are volunteer poll workers for no on 8. I just had a man tell me that I am unamerican, and another shook my hand, congratulated me for doing this work and told me that his daughter is gay. It is a mixed bag.   The heart of the culture wars! Half the people are supportive and the other half aren't.   We have had people tear up our no on 8 signs and scream at us. And telling us that what we are doing is illegal. It is difficult to see the face of hatred and intolerance so close up. This is going to be close election. "

2:39
 [Comment From Peter]
I am happy to report that there was a large turnout of people at my precinct in Venice Beach, Ca. Everyone in line was talking about voting NO on 8, so that's a good sign. Not too many more liberal places in CA than Venice though, so I guess it's to be expected...
2:39
 [Comment From Matt]
Andy, this live blog is an excellent idea. I've been a devoted follower of your blog for a couple of years now but this is the first time I've ever commented. I just wanted to say congratulations on your coverage of the election and the way you're bringing the new to everyone across the globe, especially highlighting paramount issues like Prop 8. I hope everyone in the US gets the leader they deserve tomorrow morning and the bigots on Prop 8 get defeated.
2:40
 mattrett:  Hi, this is Matthew Rettenmund from BoyCulture. Posted my voting experience here. But that's NYC. To the person who mentioned Colorado, I've read that over 50% of registered voters there early-voted, hence the light voting now. Of the early voters, 33.44% were registered Dem, 32.64% were registered Rep and 24.71% were registered Ind. A Marist poll from Oct. 30 stated that the actual voting break-down among early voters was 59% Obama and 41% McCain, so it would appear, if numbers are correct, that Inds broke strongly for Obama and there were a lotta Obamacons in the mix, too.
2:41
 Andy Towle:  You're welcome - it's the first time, so please be patient. I'll get the hang of it in a bit and will be bringing you more multimedia. Also, Michael Goff, my partner here at Towleroad will be joining us and Matthew Rettenmund (ah, I see he just did).
2:41
 Andy Towle:  We'll also be joined by Corey Johnson who was with me at the Democratic National Convention.
2:41
 [Comment From Doug]
Voting here in Indianapolis was quite brisk this morning.  I arrived at my polling place at 6:15 am.  It normally takes about 15 minutes for me to vote, not this year, lines were very long & it took nearly an hour.  I was surprised since we have early voting in out county.
2:42
 [Comment From John Block - Blockmeister]
St. Louis here.  Waiting in line for an hour to vote at 6:00AM this morning, which is very unusual for my voting location.  I've voted for twice before here for presidential elections, and never saw anything like this.   Buddy of mine just called and he took 1 1/2 hours to vote over lunch at another location here in St. Louis.
2:42
 [Comment From mel]
i live in southern orange county, ca. my drive up to work there was a yes on 8 sign every 50 feet, large banners on the freeway overpasses. it's very disheartening to see this, but we all need to keep spreading the word for no on 8 and hope people will do the right thing.
2:42
 [Comment From Fred]
The Twin Cities had block-long lines in some locations during the early morning rush after polls opened, some have subsided as usual during the day.  My small town suburb had double the usual staff and  equipment and only a five munite wait at 10:30AM
2:42
 [Comment From Tim]
I live in West Hollywood and waited for over an hour at the polling place that I've been going to for almost 10 years.  I've never waited more than 10 or 15 minutes in the past.  Also, as far as Prop 8 goes, when it's a tight race, we sometimes don't find out until very late (or even the next morning).
2:45
 Andy Towle:    Here's Cindy McCain on Larry King last night responding to the Cheney endorsement.
2:45 [Video file] YouTube: 1zMkssydCMc Play
2:45
 mattrett:  On Prop 8, do you Californians feel that most voters understand that NO means YES to gay marriage? It seems intentionally confusing...
2:46
 [Comment From Cale]
Here in Meadville (Podunk), PA, lines are taking an hour or so at all three voter locations. A good majority of the voters, however, are the college students from Allegheny which is very liberal. Perhaps this is a good sign.
2:46
 [Comment From Austin]
Just an interesting tidbit on Prop 8 in California.  I am a registered Republican (though I vote Democrat.  Long story; I want to, in my own minute way, influence the demographics), and yesterday, I received my voter guide.  Under Prop. 8, there was no recommendation, just said, "OPEN."  I wonder if that will sway the voters at all, that the Republican party is not taken an official stance on the matter (which is a stance in itself, actually).
2:47
 Andy Towle:  More reports: from voters around the country:
2:47
 [Comment From Jonathan]
Texas has had early voting for quite a few years at this point. People are really used to it and it has been quite brisk across the board. It does not surprise me that day of turnout is low. I think the end result will still be very high for Texas
2:47
 [Comment From Scott]
Schools are closed in NV today for a teacher development day but the elementary school behind us if PACKED and they had to call out the cops to help with the traffic issue.  It's still a huge problem back there and they are saying this happening all over NV.
2:47
 [Comment From Sparty]
Raleigh, N.C. — A late start will see one Wake County polling place open late Tuesday night. At the Barwell Road Community Center, about 300 voters had to wait for ballots after an election judge saw her grandson drive away with them in his car. The delay lasted about 30 minutes. The Wake County Board of Elections met Tuesday afternoon and decided to extend the hours at that site until 8:30 p.m.
2:48
 [Comment From Martin]
From Columbus, OH - got in line right at 6:30 am with about 100 people already there waiting. There has to be a better way to go through the validation process - this was the biggest hold up. Only 4 people going through voter registration books was the bottleneck, took about 1.5 hours to get through.
2:48
 [Comment From JKM]
In North Potomac, Maryland we had a 2 1/2 hour wait this morning upon arriving at the polls at 7AM.  Many of my co-workers have reported long lines in DC and VA too.
2:51
 [Comment From Clint M. San Diego]
I just finished my shift at the polls in La Jolla, CA and so proud to be there wtih such an organized group of people.  It was cold and raining, but we stuck it out to give our message.  The pollster said last election her site received 200 ballots all day, today by 9:30am she had collected 160. The record is bound to be shattered.  Of the 160ish people we greeted between 6:30am and 10:30am I was happy to see only about 10 that were negative (in favor of Prop 8).  I would be nieve to expect that result everywhere, but I really hope the net result is in our favor.  Good Luck EVERYONE AND GET OUT THERE AND VOTE!!!!!
2:51
 [Comment From Darren]
I went to my local poll this am outside of Atlanta and the line was wrapped outside and snaking down long sections of cooridors in the elementary school I vote in.  It took roughly 2 hrs to vote this morning, shorter than I expected to be honest.
2:53
 [Comment From Mr. GuyTVBlog]
2:58
 [Comment From Tom S.]
From Atlanta.  We arrived at 6am, one hour before the polls opened, and there were about 50 people ahead of us.  Within 15 minutes, the line more than doubled.  And when I walked out at 7:50am, there had to be at least 300 in line.
2:58
 [Comment From Michael]
Lancaster, PA - While county will most certainly go Republican, I was surprised to see alot of new faces at my local polling place (approximate wait time first thing this morning: 45 minutes).  Usually its a sea of older white faces, not so this time around!  There college age kids, African Americans and Hispanics, that in previous elections, don't appear to participate.
2:58
 [Comment From Lancaster Voter]
I'm based in this particular bag of fun in PA. Voting lines are significant and every polling place is packed. I didn't do exit polling, but I saw just as many Obama buttons as McCain buttons.
3:02
 Andy Towle:  Here's some interesting video from Penn State. Nearly 1000 students in line to vote.

3:03 [Video file] YouTube: Whc4OmprF2s Play
3:04
 mattrett:  Good to see the young'uns, especially in PA. Not many young faces at my Manhattan precinct. Well, not naturally young faces. :)
3:05
 Andy Towle:  The youth vote will be so important in this election, I think.
3:06
 mattrett:  If they don't show up in large numbers, we need to lower the voting age to get more of them in. The children in all those national kid polls (Nickelodeon, etc.) voted Obama. But I think they'll show up in good numbers.
3:07
 Andy Towle:  Here's a freaky photo that was going around yesterday.
3:07
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3:08
 Andy Towle:  Some thoughts from outside the country:

3:08
 [Comment From Jean-Jacques]
Hi from Switzerland, where the poll says 86% of the swiss people would choose Obama for president!!!
3:08
 [Comment From Jeremy]
Hey! I'm in Toronto, Canada. Just wanted everyone in the U.S. to know how excited and involved everyone I know here is for the possibility of change this election. No matter what the talk of America's "reputation" around the world has been in the last few years,  we support you and are rooting for you!
3:08
 [Comment From John]
I am writing from Belgium.  I live over here with my husband and both of us are watching this very closely!  I won't find out the results until early tomorrow morning  ( we are 6 hours ahead of EST) it is already 9 PM here.  But all the Belgium's I have spoken with are all for Obama! And since Belgium has had same sex marriages for years, they can not understand what the fuss is in California.  I just hope that Prop 8 and Obama win!
3:08
 [Comment From craigk]
we are penn state! the youth will lead the way...
3:09
 [Comment From James MTL,Québec]
About 121 million people voted in 2004, and this year's early voter turnout would represent a quarter of that totala higher overall turnout for 2008, and say the early voting could signal the biggest turnout in US history. About 184 million people are registered to vote and turnout is expected to hit 130-140 million.
3:12
 mattrett:  And I truly believe, James, that of the tens of millions who are registered but do not vote, a large % are people who didn't do absentee but who have to work/are physically unable to stand in hours-long lines. I think that when Obama is president, and the Democrats are in full control, it would be unimaginable for them not to completely overhaul voting to make it more accessible. It's the right thing to do and, fortunately, also favors Democrats—the more who vote, the better our odds.
3:12
 Andy Towle:  Our reader Matt Allard sends this photo from West Hollywood
3:12
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3:13
 Andy Towle:  That's Selma Blair and one of the Fall Out Boy guys
3:15
 [Comment From Guest]
Voted in Mobile, AL this morning. Long line, but only took 45 minutes.  Best part was watching mulitple generations of families voting together.
3:15
 [Comment From Jeff Hall]
Here is a report from a student in VA describing problems with absentee ballots: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsbpTurfOPU
3:17
 [Comment From candipearl]
My nephew, is in the Marines and stationed in Japan...he says that of the Marines on his carrier, that he knows are voting for Obama, 10 to 1. So here's hoping that Americans not in America are voting also....especially the Military.
3:18
 Andy Towle:  This is amusing, and I sure hope nobody gets fooled:
3:18
 [Comment From Mr. GuyTVBlog]
3:21
 Andy Towle:  A reader, Pete, writes: "Hi Andy - Im a loyal reader from that hot bed of conservatism in Southern California, La Canada. Thought Id share a nice moment this morning. After voting and on my way to work, I passed a large group of people standing before the on ramp to the freeway with Yes on Prop. 8 signs (you see a lot of them up here in my neighborhood.) I happened to have a No on 8 sign in my car (went to a rally on Sunday downtown LA). I turned around and stood on the opposite corner with my sign. Within an hour 5 people had joined me (my favorite was an 83 year old woman who was out for her morning walk, "I'm tired of the hate") although out numbered 2 to 1, I can safely say that we got as many thumbs up as the others. Even in the reddest of places there are those that have seen through the bs of the yes on 8 supporters."

3:22
 [Comment From moprogressive]
Inside sources report high voter turnout in Democratic heavy Kansas City, Columbia, and St. Louis Missouri with less robust numbers in outstate Missouri. Ground game is looking for Obama in Missouri.
3:25
 [Comment From David Ehrenstein]
A lot of people I know on the net are nervous as a long-tailed cat in a roomful of rocking chairs. I don't know why. President Obama will be with us shortly. It's Prop Hate that I have my fingers crossed over. No matter what WE SHALL PREVAIL!
3:26
 [Comment From John Block, St. Louis, MO]
It was touched this morning to see one of my handicapped neighbors first in line at the door to the polls.  She is unable to walk on her own, and must use a walker.   It is so hard for her to get out of her house, that I found it inspiring.  She must have gotten in line by 5:00AM to be first in line!
3:28
 mattrett:  David, I know...I'm not an optimistic sort of guy, but I am a slave to logic and reason and all the facts point to a win. Only Democrats would worry over McCain's 1-2% chance at winning. I like our odds this year.
3:29
 [Comment From Fred]
Andy, there was a real case of that "Tues vs. Wed" thing in Norfolk VA.  Flyers went out on what looked like real election board letterhead saying that they higher than normal turnout was going to force them to do voting over two days.  They even caught the guy behind them, but no charges are going to be filed.  Let me know if you want a link.
3:29
 Andy Towle:  I have heard of the Tues vs Wed. trick being used. The scary part is that some may actually fall for it.
3:33
 [Comment From Jay]
I think the closest thing right now is the Prop 8 battle.  Fivethirtyeight.com just lowered McCain's chances of winning down to 1-2%.  His statistics are pretty sound.  I think the only toss-up we have to worry about is whether or not Prop 8 supporters have a last minute surge from the pulpit.  With how close the polls are and being within the margin of error makes it a very tight race.
3:35
 Andy Towle:  Our reader Jeff Hall pointed us to this news. Former 49ers Quarterback Steve Young, who mad headlines this week because he is one of the Bay Area's most prominent Mormons and his home had 'No on Prop 8' signs in front of it, has clarified reports.

3:36
 Andy Towle:  He is not stating his position on it. Apparently his wife has a gay relative and she's against it. But young won't state a position. And you know what that means.
3:36 [Video file] YouTube: tF56p5PtW0o Play
3:38
 [Comment From Guest]
what does not stating a position on Prop 8 mean?
3:39
 Andy Towle:  It means that you are pissed at all the publicity you have received that you may support same-sex marriage even though your religion donated millions to ban it, but you don't want to look like a public bigot.
3:40
 [Comment From Roy]
He could be in support of defeating it, but he really can't say it. He's a direct descendent of Brigham Young! I doubt he'll say what he really thinks.
3:41
 [Comment From John]
It means that his wife won't be letting him touch her for awhile after giving that interview.
3:42
 [Comment From Alex Paris]
Oh come on Andy, cut the guy some slack. He has apperatnly had a history of not publicising his positions. Im not a football fan or a steve young fan. but the vote is a private matter it dosent matter if he wants to keep it priveate. Its a bit insulting that you as editor woud just  try and lump him with the rest of the pack because he dosent want to state a postion.
3:42
 Andy Towle:  Yup, just guessing, and of course we all have our opinions.
3:42
 mattrett:  Not saying what you believe when you have the power to do so, and in so doing could actually affect the outcome, is the same as or worse than privately voting yes on it. He doesn't have much to lose, and even if he did, so do the people affected by it. No sympathy for him. But more power to the wife!
3:43
 mattrett:  There, I've taken the heat off Andy! :)
3:43
 [Comment From Crispy]
Brigham Young had 55 wives. His direct descendants probably should STFU about marriage.
3:51
 [Comment From Alex Paris]
Why dose it have to be a matter of sympathy or not. Why cant a private person just vote privately? I voted, plenty of people dont know what i voted on and if i dont want to say what i voted for why should it make a diffrence? This is why we have a secret ballot.
3:53
 mattrett:  Alex—there is a difference between what I think Steve Young "can" do (sure, he can vote privately) and what I think Steve Young could or should do (admit he's a bigot and say he's for 8 or admit—and as a high-profile Mormon, it would be an admission—he is not a bigot and say he's against). If he doesn't want to, I'm not advocating we tie him up and tickle-torture it out of him, though that would be a fun way to pass time until the results.
3:56
 Andy Towle:  Jim Key at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center writes: "Attached is a picture I just took of the Southern California “No on 8” war room at the Center. It’s where the campaign is dispatching volunteers all over Southern California and monitoring any problems.   They told me that statewide, more than 3,200 volunteers worked the first shift (6:30 – 10 a.m.)!"
4:02
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4:04
 [Comment From Jonathan]
The Chicago Sun-Times will have a live video feed of Grant Park (the location of tonight's major Obama rally) all day today (along with a neat feed to their newsroom).  Wanted to give a heads up so you have it for tonight.  The gates are supposed to open at 8:30, so crowds will probably be assembling around 7:00.
4:04
 mattrett:  Here's video of everyone's favorite wingnut, Hasselbeck, going off on The View today about how Sarah Palin is now cleared since her own panel says she is and about Reverend Wright...and gets pwned by a tag team of Whoopi and Sherri.

4:06
 [Comment From Jay]
hey Andy - Have you heard any news on how things are going in CA with Prop 8?  is there any exit poll data?
4:07
 Andy Towle:  I've heard it's virtually tied based on overnight polling with a very small number of undecideds - no solid numbers yet. Very important that people get out and vote.
4:09
 [Comment From Guest]
where did you get the overnight polls? Is there something we can see?
4:09
 Andy Towle:  Nothing solid available yet.
4:10
 mattrett:  Oops. The View.
4:14
 [Comment From DJGlenn]
Lots of Yes on Prop 8 and No on Prop 8 supporters standing around on street corners today and this past weekend.  We saw a ton of Yes on 8 folks in Oakland before the Madonna concert on Saturday.  I suspect it'll be tomorrow before we know on Prop 8 unless the Yes votes are around 60% or more... It's gonna be a close one.
4:14
 [Comment From atsao]
I'm a lifetime CA native, and I'm worried sick about prop 8. I made the mistake of assuming my mom would vote no on 8 since she is pretty good about civil rights. However, I was shocked to learn she voted absentee a few days ago for yes since she thought marriage should be between a man and a woman (though she thinks benefits of domestic partnerships should be extended across the nation). ARGH, I should have talked to her sooner.
4:14
 [Comment From NoCaDrummer]
The URL for Hassle-beck should be http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLvCRgtvVA4 . It's incorrect above.
4:19
 [Comment From Phil M.]
I would like to remind everyone not to forget about the NY State Senate races.... If the democrats secure two more seats in the state senate, then they will have the majority of the seats, and same-sex marriage could be passed here as well.
4:24
 [Comment From JamesR]
Just voted in Silicon Valley-- Yes on 8 campaign blanketed intersections (including those of Apple HQ that donated $100,000 to the NO campaign) and most public places with their signs.  I'm the adviser for the Gay-Str8 Alliance at the high school where I teach and my kids have been stealing them for weeks.  At least the youth are on our side.  ;)
4:28
 Andy Towle:  You may have noticed we're running a feed to the right of this live blog - We’re   piping in the status updates and posts from all the friends of Towleroad Blog on Facebook. (If you’re not our friend yet, today’s a great day to add us. Search for "Towleroad Blog" on Facebook) or find it HERE: Also if you’re on Twitter or Friend Feed, we’ll be picking up comments if you include @tlrd or #tlrd in your message/tweet.
4:28
 [Comment From DJGlenn]
Backing up JamesR's comment, I've heard from coworkers here in Redwood City (north of Silicon Valley) that there's been an odd tug-of-war the past few days with Yes on 8 signs all over.  They'll pop up at night on public streets and in public parks, folks take some down, more pop up, then when more folks go to take them down they're already gone.  It's staggering to think of the environmental cost of this campaign.
4:32
 Andy Towle:  Polls are closing in parts of Indiana and Kentucky in an hour and a half.
4:32
 [Comment From titus]
just voted with my niece, she for the first, and my 83 year old mother, here in polk county, (as central as you can get) fl. very conservative, the cong. district of adam putnam. no line, have never seen one. pleased to see no on 2 line the road into to the polling place.
4:36
 mattrett:  I hope I don't accidentally see "exit polls." In 2004, I was very realistically hoping for the best with Kerry, but secretly expecting the worst...until I saw these amazing exit polls. Almost all were totally wrong in our favor. Nate @ 538 explains why to ignore them. Getting my hopes up last time the night of the election was way worse once we lost. I'm glad this time my confidence is based on sources that are more reliable than exit polls.
4:38
 mattrett:  Alex: If Obama somehow won Indiana, the race would be all but over—it is a close state, but its electoral votes are not factored into most of the calculations that get Obama to 270. It would also bode hella well for VA and PA and others. More likely, Obama loses IN and KY. But if the networks are unable to call IN quickly, that is also a good sign for Obama. If they're unable to call KY soon after the polls close, that would also be encouraging.
4:42
 Andy Towle:  Obama is not expected to win Kentucky. Indiana would be a big break for Obama. GOP Senator Mitch McConnell is facing Democrat Bruce Lunsford in Kentucky. At last polling, McConnell was leading by about six points.
4:43
 Andy Towle:  To oust McConnell would be a huge victory.
4:43
 [Comment From Tom]
I'm in Indiana and I was canvassing yesterday and this morning. It's going to be a nail-biter.
4:44
 [Comment From crispy]
matt, i read at yahoo news that exit polls are being kept under quarantine until 5pm this year to prevent what happened in 2004... i guess the data is more reliable after 5pm
4:47
 mattrett:  I don't want to see any exit polls, even at 5; there are no exit polls I trust unless a network calls it for someone, and in that case I only trust it because they bombed so badly with Gore they're scared to death to call anything too quickly anymore. Yeah, ousting McConnell would be amazing.
4:50
 [Comment From Raye Jaye]
Everyone here familiar with fivethirtyeight.com? They run some really interesting projections and they have a very interesting post in terms of the fact that the vote may be decided as early as the 6 and 7 oclock poll closures. Obama may win states in those time zones which allow us to calculate his victory fairly early.
4:53
 Andy Towle:  I have some information from a South Florida insider that folks in Miami Dade and Broward are turning out in historic numbers. Polling stations are moving smoothly with 1 to 2 hour waits in Tampa, Broward, and downtown Miami. There are no big legal issues to report from Miami Dade or Broward on voter suppression or intimidation thus far. There are apparently more than 25 lawyers in the main Miami-Dade office answering calls for each precinct and another 150+ in the field.
4:59
 Andy Towle:  McCain's final rally today in Grand Junction, CO:
4:59 [Video file] YouTube: YarhmfUO6so Play
5:01
 mattrett:  You may HAVE to drag people to the polls to vote McCain, John.
5:02
 [Comment From Brent]
Who is the hunk working on the Electoral result banner on the Rockfeller building?
5:02
 Andy Towle:  Send us a pic!
5:06
 [Comment From Brent]
Laguna Beach, CA- polling place was unusually crowded this morning, but lots of happy people that were excited to vote- EXCITED to vote, it's great!  Hopefully we will defeat Prop 8 here.
5:06
 [Comment From John Warner]
I am intrigued by the waiting that is expected / anticipated in this election. I am British and live in Germany and in both locations where voter turn-outs are traditionally higher than the US I expect to wait for thirty seconds - may be a couple of minutes at the maximum. Why are there such long waits in the USA?
5:07
 Andy Towle:  A few reasons John - voters are unusually engaged for this election meaning many more voters, and the voting systems are non-uniform and typically archaic.
5:11
 Andy Towle:  The Victory Fund is watching some interesting races this year. One of them is Kevin Beckner, who is running a close race to unseat an incumbent, Brian Blair on the Hillsborough County Commission in Florida. Kevin is a financial planner and former police officer who is new to politics.   Blair is a former professional wrestler who recently sent out an e-mail to his supporters urging them to oppose a day of silence in local schools intended to honor Lawrence King.
5:12
5:12
 mattrett:  I think also that people are more determined than ever to vote after the debacle that was 2000, and the disappointment that was 2004. Plus, Obama is a figure people want to vote for, as opposed to the lesser of two evils or just the latest Democrat. People turn out more when they're excited to vote FOR someone. At least, that is my take and my hope.
5:13
 Andy Towle:  Kevin Beckner, in these last days, was the victim of an ugly anti-gay robocall.
5:14
 [Comment From Roy]
VERY archaic. We need to have universal voting machines, preferably electronic.
5:15
 Andy Towle:  More from Indiana, where polls close in parts of the state in 45 minutes:
5:15
 [Comment From Tom]
There were lines in all of the polling places I went to today while running errands for the Obama campaign. Fort Wayne, Indiana is largely white, but we have a significant minority contingent. We are also traditionally very conservative, but I am hoping enough people come to their senses and vote for change.
5:15
 [Comment From Tom]
I also want to give props to those who came down from Chicago to help canvass last night.
5:17
 [Comment From dave]
Hi this is Dave from a guy named dave..  We're taking a quick break from the polls... we're holding up signs for No on 8 here in Santa Monica, CA... lots of good support... still working to get out the vote!!
5:19
 Andy Towle:  thanks Dave
5:19
 Andy Towle:  I'm hearing this ran on MSNBC. We featured it a few days back:
5:19 [Video file] YouTube: q28UwAyzUkE Play
5:21
 mattrett:  Brent: She's in the tank for Obama, so if any good, even preliminary, news reaches her in time, she could even announce from the stage. That would rock. Barack already   appears in her show, if that's not too much of a spoiler.
5:21
 Andy Towle:  The Courage Campaign responded to MSNBC's broadcast of the ad: "The ad has been produced by an organization not affiliated with our campaign.   Mr. Schubert should direct his questions to the organization behind the ad. As we have stated previously, the Mormon Church deserves the same respect as any other religion.   But it is wrong for the Mormons to push their views about marriage on the rest of California through the ballot box. We note Mr. Schubert has failed to denounce despicable statements by individuals affiliated with the Prop. 8 campaign. At an official Prop. 8 rally at the State Capitol in Sacramento last week, a Prop. 8 lawyer compared the fight against gay marriage to the fight against Hitler.   That outrageous statement was denounced by the Anti-Defamation League but not by the Prop. 8 campaign.   Instead, the campaign Web site described the event as successful and thanked attendees."
5:23
 [Comment From Brent]
Sorta related, got a group going to the Madonna concert in San Diego tonight- I'm pretty hopefully it will be an all-out celebration.  I wonder if she'll be doing something special because of election day?
5:24
 [Comment From Conor]
Since it is always good to have some attractive pictures throughout the day...check out the Dem who will likely win CD 1 in New Mexico - www.martinheinrich.com.   Maybe a challenge to find the most attractive candidate for office today??
5:25
 [Comment From Phil M.]
That commercial spot was a bit horrifying. Why don't folks ever seem to remember that this nation was founded with a separation of church and state, and religious tolerance. Just because their religion may condemn same sex relationships, that doesn't mean mine does as well.
5:26
 Andy Towle:  I agree Phil. The Church of Latter Day Saints has pumped millions and millions of dollars into the campaign to pass Prop 8.
5:26
 [Comment From Dalon Williams]
Hey Andy,  We love your blog.  Living in Sf Castro and Market.  if we win No on 8, there will be dancing in the streets tonite.  There will be even celebration if Barack wins. I purchased 2 american flags for the first time in my life.
5:27
 Andy Towle:  Thanks Dalon - wish I could be there. Lived in CA for 10 years, San Francisco for two of them. Love it there. Would be dancing with you.
5:27
 [Comment From Roy]
I wished I still lived in the Castro to join u! OMG! Now I am living in Orange County where things are a bit different! :(
5:29
 mattrett:  Conor, it's no challenge when you present a guy who can't be topped in the looks department. Wow. Just wow. I also like Scott Kleeb, who is very likely to lose again.
5:32
 Andy Towle:  Look, there's Traitor Joe Lieberman McCain rally:
5:32
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5:33
 Andy Towle:  via Americablog.
5:33
 [Comment From Silvio]
I used to live in the Castro. Moved to NYC 6 months ago. I made to sure to vote absentee from SF so I could vote NO on 8
5:34
 [Comment From Conor]
I know that I set the bar high, but think about all the races out there for City Council or Controller...I am sure there are some other hot guys.   Kleeb is a smart guy though. He recruited one of the big LBTG fundraisers out here in SoCal to host an event for him.  I didn't make it, but I got all the mailings...
5:34
 [Comment From noah]
I look forward to Lieberman getting kicked out of the party.
5:35
 mattrett:  Someone on one of the political blogs commented that after the election, Lieberman would be thrown to a pack of wild dogs out back of the Senate.
5:36
 [Comment From Peter]
I'm from germany and i'm intesively following the news about the election going on in the states and I really hope that obama wins...he would be such a inspiring president...
5:36
 [Comment From noah]
Lieberman is such a weasel.  It's a shame that he has a couple of years left in the Senate.  I hope he is stripped of his committees and rank privileges.
5:39
 mattrett:  That's insulting to weasels.
5:40
 Andy Towle:  HuffPost is reporting on some text messages perpetuating the Tuesday vs Wednesday trick we were discussing earlier.
5:40
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5:40
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5:41
 [Comment From noah]
Actually, I think, Lieberman may have to throw his lot in with the Republicans.  As inclusive as Obama is, I don't think he and the rest of the Dems are that forgiving.  He can't be trusted.
5:41
 [Comment From Guest]
Mandatory jail terms for anyone forwarding those vote on wednesday messages!
5:43
 mattrett:  TalkingPointsMemo is reporting on an incident in Warren Township, IN, where 2 Republican election workers were removed for "using improper methods to challenge voters' rights to cast a ballot." This led to local Republican leaders to issue a statement of regret and to remove them by vote of the Marion County Election Board. It's always in the states that are considered swingy, it seems.
5:45
 Andy Towle:  FIRST POLL CLOSINGS in parts of Indiana and Kentucky in 15 minutes.
5:47
 Andy Towle:  Finally, someone rips on Joe the Plumber. Thank you Rick Sanchez:
5:47 [Video file] YouTube: 8MjvOeT8Hu8 Play
5:48
 mattrett:  Which is amazing because seriously, Sanchez is so often so out of his depth—quite the tool. But I guess anyone is smarter than Sam the Con Man aka Joe the Plumber.
5:50
 [Comment From ShknNStird]
LOL, I watched that. He really got, using this term loosely, "PWNED." I think that Joe was spouting off topic things.
5:50
 [Comment From Joseph]
Is it just me or is there no volume on the Joe the Plumber vid?
5:51
 [Comment From Rafael]
I heard it loud and clear ;)
5:55
 Andy Towle:  One thing to note about the upcoming poll closings in Indiana - they only close for areas of the state within the eastern time zone - they will not be closed in the area of the state that is virtually a suburb of Chicago.
5:58
 [Comment From Matt]
I've seen Rick Sanchez call out quite a few hypocrites recently.  I think he's not as bad as you say.  Also él puede hablar muy bien.
5:59
 [Comment From noah]
I really want the Dems to get a landslide to ensure a mandate and crush the Republicans.  Those idiots have been spewing their hate for years.  It will be nice to see many of them finally having to find a job and experience the real economy.  With the changes in the lobbying laws, quite few will be joining the ranks of those on unemployment.
6:02
 Andy Towle:  A reader from Orange County, California writes: "Greetings from central Orange County.   We've been working very hard to defeat this measure and,   behind the orange curtain, it has been fairly ugly.   Thus far, all reports from local new services suggest   that we are in a dead heat.   I just wanted to encourage every single reader who resides in California to get out there and vote, no matter how the presidential race is being called.   It is exceedingly important that we prevent the blurring of the line that exits between church and state, and from what we are hearing here among the volunteers is that every vote is going to count.   The state consitution may be altered by a simply majority, so please be certain that you get out and vote away this discriminatory effort!"
6:03
 Andy Towle:  And another reader from West Hollywood: "I was working for No On Prop 8 at a polling site in West Hollywood.   Jamie Lynn Sigler (Meadow Soprano on The Sopranos) walked by with a cute, seemingly gay guy.   They said they would be voting No On 8.   Also Mila Kunis (from That '70s Show as well as Forgetting Sarah Marshall) voted at our polling site.   When our No On 8 volunteer asked her to vote No On 8, she said excitedly, "I'm already with you!"   Overall the voting was rather slow from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM...I have no idea what it was like that morning.   Most people said they were voting No On 8.   No one told me they were voting for Prop 8, but several people did say, "I'm going to vote on it.", which leaves one to wonder in which direction they will vote.   As for the people who are wondering when we will know the result on Prop 8, I doubt if we will know it until tomorrow.   It is going to be a tight, tight, tight race."
6:04
 [Comment From SCB]
Any update on the drama that is Sen. Elizabeth Dole vs. Kay Hagan and the filing of the suit over 'godless' claim??
6:06
 Andy Towle:  Not yet. Polls close in North Carolina at 7:30 EST, so it'll be another hour and a half. What I do know is that the idiotic ad that Dole put out caused her a lot of damage.
6:06
 Andy Towle:  Chances are good for Hagan.
6:08
 Andy Towle:  I'd like to welcoe everyone who has tuned in since we've started. Please feel free to send in comments, video, and links. Also, we’re also piping in   status updates and posts from all the friends of Towleroad Blog on Facebook. (If you’re not our friend yet, today’s a great day to add us. Search for "Towleroad Blog" on Facebook) or find it HERE: Also if you’re on Twitter or Friend Feed, we’ll be picking up comments if you include @tlrd or #tlrd in your message/tweet.
6:09
 Andy Towle:  Those are running in the feed to the right of this live-blog.
6:11
 [Comment From Jeremy/Good As You]
Good luck, everyone.
6:11
 [Comment From Brent]
I live in Mississippi which will obviously go Mccain, but there is an important Senate race which could help reach 60 in the Senate , it will be close.
6:16
 Andy Towle:  This guerilla art project started this month in NYC. A great solution to the sidewalk gum problem:
6:16
Expand
6:16
 [Comment From Jay]
I live in Arizona, which "should" go Mccain and not to mention we have our own gay marriage proposition to vote on
6:18
 Andy Towle:  Hi Jay. In recent polls McCain's safety in Arizona has even been questioned. Let's hope so. And yes, Arizona's marriage proposition often gets lost in the noise over California, as does Florida's. We have our fingers crossed.
6:21
 Andy Towle:  POLL RESULTS - KENTUCKY: 59% McCain, 40% Obama -very few precincts reporting, less than 1%.
6:21
 [Comment From Adam]
We here out in CA are pulling for our "family" members in AR, AZ, and FL. lets hope all 4 of these hate filled props fail.
6:22
 Andy Towle:  On the "hot" candidates meme:
6:22
 [Comment From Ray]
Conor, you should check out Andrew Rice at andrewforoklahoma.com
6:23
 Andy Towle:  On the subject of Andrew Rice, you may remember the gay bashing James Inhofe did in his attack ads. We reported on it earlier this year.
6:29
 mattrett:  At 7PM ET,   KY needs to be called within minutes for McCain. Otherwise, that would be bad news for him as it's a state he should be winning handily. IN is allegedly very close according to the hated exit polls, so I imagine it will not be called one way or another too soon after 7PM ET. If IN goes to Obama, that would be (1) an upset and (2) practically the end for McCain. If not, no biggie, on to other states.
6:29
 [Comment From Jay]
How funny, I also used to be from AZ as of this June, but now live in OH.  Glad my vote counts more than in AZ.  Got my brother and sister to vote no for prop 102.
6:30
 [Comment From Scott]
My boyfriend is a new citizen of this country and he has been very excited leading up to his first vote, something he has been looking forward to for years.  He called me afterward to say that he was surprised by several things:  The polling place was in somebody's garage, and the poll worker there kept repeating to everyone, "Funny thing about all of this, they're gonna call this thing this afternoon before anybody even LOOKS at these ballots!"  He called me right afterward to ask me if that was really true, but I'm wondering -- can we/should we report this sort of thing?  Poll workers really shouldn't be discouraging excited voters on election day like that, should they?
6:31
 Andy Towle:  That doesn't surprise me Scott. Where was he voting? In recent elections, as well know all too well, the media called the election and then changed its mind. They've been far more cautious since then.
6:32
 [Comment From Jonathan]
Yes, you should report it. It's unprofessional even if it isn't outright voter suppression. And, yes, the election may very well have a winner before ballots in California, and certainly Hawaii and Alaska, have been collected from precints. That's no reason at all not to vote. Every ballot in America has local candidates and issues on it.
6:35
 Andy Towle:  For those of you who have recently joined us, our other panelist as the moment using the screen name MattRett, is Matthew Rettenmund. He has guest-blogged for me on Towleroad and has his own great blog called Boy Culture. I recommend you put it on your list.
6:36
 [Comment From Scott]
Sherman Oaks, CA.  I found that especially irresponsible of the poll worker, because of all the important initiatives on our ballot (OK, because of Prop 8) and as much as I'd like it for the Yes on 8'ers to stay home because they know their Prez candidate is going down in flames, I still believe in everybody getting their voice.  And the last thing anybody needs is a pollworker telling everyone who comes through the line, "None of this really matters you know."
6:36
 [Comment From Jay]
Besides a garage seems kind of suspicious location for a polling area.  I would think even a rural area would have more public locations such as libraries, government buildings, etc where polling would be more appropriate.  I haven't lived in a small city, are garage locations common?
6:37
 Andy Towle:  POLL RESULTS - KENTUCKY: 62% McCain, 37% Obama -1% reporting.
6:39
 Andy Towle:  POLL RESULTS - INDIANA: 51% Obama, 48% McCain, 1% reporting.
6:41
 mattrett:  Take this for what it's worth: Vigo County, IN, has 39% of its vote in and its Obama up 57/42. I'm reading that Vigo County has predicted IN's winner since 1960 (Bush won 53/46). I'm really harping on IN because for Obama to win it would = hot death for McCain's chances. (Overall, only 1% or so is in for IN and Obama's up 55/43 but...less than 1%, so...)
6:41
 [Comment From Matt]
Yep, Jay.  I've voted in garages in rural Oregon and metro Los Angeles.
6:41
 [Comment From Scott]
Jay this is in Sherman Oaks -- 52,000 people, but smack in the middle of Los Angeles county.  I was surprised to hear our polling place was in a garage.  (I hadn't yet re-registered at the new address so I was voting this morning at my old place -- which is in a church.  Which also makes me scratch my head but apparently, both churches and residential garages are popular venues for polling places in California...)
6:43
 mattrett:  And BTW, these are not exit polls, these are votes. Andy's posting actual votes counted so far, too. Exit polls are crack.
6:45
 Andy Towle:  As an aside, does it drive anyone else crazy that Wolf Blitzer is constantly on high alert level, acting as if the world is ending? It drives me nuts.
6:45
 [Comment From Jay in Indy]
I can't imagine that Vigo county going for McCain. Say what you will about Terre Haute but it is a college town and we do have some impact. The student population has been very active in this cycle.
6:45
 [Comment From Jay]
When is Wolf Blitzer not on high alert?
6:45
 Andy Towle:  Never.
6:46
 mattrett:  He's afraid Sarah Palin will shoot Wolf from a helicopter.
6:46
 [Comment From SilverLake Justin]
Wolf drives me nuts too.
6:48
 [Comment From SilverLake Justin]
We need more Rachel Maddow, that's for sure!
6:49
 [Comment From Phil M.]
Wolf needs a bottle of valium and a bitchslap from Donna Brazille... That should calm him down a bit.
6:49
 Andy Towle:  Indiana, South Carolina, Kentucky, Vermont, Virginia and Georgia are closing soon. Virginia and Indiana are biggies.
6:50
 mattrett:  I worry about VA. That is not a must-win for Obama, but it's been considered one he will win. Here's hoping VA came through for him as they did for Webb last time.
6:51
 [Comment From James]
Have we heard any exit poll results on Prop 8?  Sorry if you've already covered this.
6:52
 Andy Towle:  Nothing yet on Prop 8 - it'll be a while on that, if we know tonight at all. Polls don't close for a while in California and it's a very, very tight race on Prop 8 from everything we've been hearing.
6:54
 [Comment From Bill]
And it would help if we all agreed that exit polls cannot tell you who will win or if a prop will pass -- they are only good for demographics, like how did male hispanic first-time voters vote.
6:54
 [Comment From James]
I live in San Francisco and was out on Market street with all my signs and I didn't hardly any YES on Prop 8 people out, at least not in the city.
6:54
 Andy Towle:  That's good to hear James but I think you're in the minority, unfortunately.
6:56
 Andy Towle:  Our reader Marty from Tennessee writes: "It tough here in Tennessee to have any impact against the Backwards thinking majority of Hillbillies in this state. There is a brave and determined friend of mine in the southern wealthiest part of Nashville. He gets out each year with Gore last year and Obama this year, signs on a busy roads here and judges reaction. What i call Hillbilly vegetable stand polling. Honk in favor. Honk thumbs down, Honk thumbs up, or just plain give ya the Bird or some other rude jester from your pick up truck. Normally he returns home in desperation that over 3/4 of the people reject his enthusiasm and he returns home feeling bad and rejected. He's gonna give me numbers on his final soon but for the first time he has been encouraged that less than half have flipped him off and there is more positive reaction than he has ever seen."
6:56
 [Comment From James]
I know it's probably a lost cause for them, but still I expected to see at least a token few
6:56
 [Comment From Adam]
It is a close race out here in CA, I don't think we will here anything till after 6pm. This site may help http://vote.sos.ca.gov/
6:56
 [Comment From Jay]
I think in CA you have to worry about Orange County and San Diego since they tend to be more conservative.
6:56
 [Comment From Eric]
I was in Contra Costa County, the suburban areas of the Bay Area, working for No on 8 at a polling location, and I would say about a third of the people at the polling place I was working at were supportive of us. The other two-thirds said they were set on voting Yes, and some made very nasty comments toward us.
6:56
 [Comment From Louis in Glendora, CA]
In my town, we had pro- and anti- Prop 8 demonstrators on opposite corners of the main intersection. I honked approval of one and yelled at the others. It felt good.
6:59
 [Comment From SilverLake Justin]
I'm from a small suburb outside of LA, La Verne.  The city is festooned with Yes on 8 sings.  It's the suburbs we aught'a  worry about.
7:00
 Andy Towle:  CNN Projects Barack Obama wins Vermont, McCain carries Kentucky
7:02
 [Comment From Bill]
MSNBC reported that some believe, esp in PA, that the recent Jeremiah Wright ads had the unintended impact of mobilizing the african-american vote!
7:04
 mattrett:  I've always felt PA would be safe. I'm a glutton, I want unexpected states. :0) I love that he MIGHT have mobilized our side with the Wright ads.
7:06
 [Comment From Mike -Whittier Ca]
Last nights news reported some Prp 8 protestors being harassed in our city, and those interrvieweed actually said that their drive by response was more favorable, probably why they were harassed. I am close to Glendora and La Verne, so I can sympathize with the lawn signs. ..Whittier is after all Nixon's hometown
7:10
 Andy Towle:  Hey folks, I'd just like to announce that Corey Johnson, who was with me at the Democratic National Convention in Denver is now joining us!
7:10
 Andy Towle:  Welcome Corey!
7:10
 [Comment From Alex Paris]
hi corey, you guys rocked at the convention!
7:11
 [Comment From Peter]
Is this the same Corey Johnson who came out as a high school football player?
7:14
 corey johnson:  Hey everyone, it's great to be with you.   Yes -- many moons ago I came out to my football team (ancient history!).

FYI -- the networks are already projecting former Governor Mark Warner from Virginia has won the Senate seat there.   The results are trickling in for Georgia (Saxby Chambliss) and Kentucky (GOP Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell).   The Democrats are trying to get to 60 seats tonight and Warner's pick-up is +1 in that direction.
7:20
 [Comment From Dave]
Corey- your coming out story is amazing and wonderful.  Are you still friends with your former teammates?  Also, what is your prediction on the margin for Prop 8?
7:22
 corey johnson:  Thanks Dave.   I still see my teammates when I visit home around the holidays.   I'm hopeful on Prop 8 -- people can still vote in California, so let's hope people are still turning out.   I think it will be very close and the overnight internal polls say 47-47 with 6 percent undecided.
7:27
 [Comment From Eric in Berkeley]
Prop 8 will be very very close. I doubt we'll have an answer tonight. We probably won't have an answer until the morning.
7:27
 [Comment From peter in LA]
i heard from john duran, former mayor of west hollywood, that exit polling at noon for Prop 8 showed 47% for and 47% against. scary.
7:28
 mattrett:  IN is close; 51/48 in favor of McCain now, but they already called it for the Republican governor. 12% reporting. I think being close in IN shows the polls for other states were probably correct as well. To win in IN would be amazing, to keep it really close would make everyone more comfortable about other polling. Hey, everyone, I have to depart. Thanks, Andy—this has been great fun. Good luck to us all!
7:31
 Andy Towle:  Thanks Matthew, and everybody remember to visit Matt's site Boy Culture.
7:31
 [Comment From Derek House]
Just letting you know.  CNN is reporting text messages in Missouri telling people to vote tomorrow.  It's not just Missouri.  Dozens of my friends in Wisconsin received a different message that read, “Due to the long lines expected today, all obama voters are asked to vote on wednesday. Please forward to everyone.”  It was from an unidentified source.  We are all on the UW-Madison campus, all students, and are 80% Obama voters.  Hopefully are more intelligent than to listen to a random text message.
7:32
 Andy Towle:  Thanks Derek - we were discussing those evil text messages earlier. Really disgusting.
7:32
 [Comment From Bill]
In Indiana counties that can be expected to go for McCain, Obama is running much better than Kerry -- like 8% better. That's great news.
7:37
 [Comment From Peter from Cambridge MA]
Huge turnout in Cambridge today, which is almost surprising given the near universal support for Obama...we are very concerned for Prop 8 since we dodged the referendum bullet by inches w/ help from good friends in the Legislature, be of good cheer, this too shall pass
7:39
 Signorile:  Hey all, Mike Signorile here. Just off my radio show in the past hour. The calls were intense from over the country, people telling their stories of long lines and great excitement, and shady stuff -- several of our listeners  in Arizona  were arrested or stopped by cops for electioneering, simply for wearing a shirt or having something on their car, meanwhile in CA and Arizona  people are passing out antigay literature in the polling places). A lot of listeners are over at my blog, The Gist, and I'm posting there and will be jumping in here too.

We had Kate Kendall on the show today   from NCLR and on the No On Prop Campaign. She is "cautiously optimistic" and feeling good about momentum shifting in recent days. Also spoke with Nadine Smith at Equality Florida. She is seeing good stuff on the ground that makes her optimistic about beating back Amendment 2, even though the polls were moving against us in recent days.

Obama is obviously very competitive in Indiana to be doing this well in rural counties. And the same seems to be true in Georgia.   
7:40
 Andy Towle:  Hi Mike, welcome....
7:47
 [Comment From Fred]
Corey - Your coming out to your highschool football team may be ancient history to you, but it's like yesterday to me.  Congrats!  It was an amazing story then and it still is today.
7:48
 corey johnson:  Hey Mike, it's very close in Indiana -- which is a good sign.   What key things are you looking for over the next hour (states and numbers)?
7:51
 Signorile: 

Thanks Andy, and thanks for having me. Hi Corey!     I think if Obama takes Florida, PA and Virginia in the next hour we will have a very clear idea. If Indiana is decided by then, then we will know for sure. I think though we won't have answers on Indiana, Florida or Ohio very early because of how close then are.

7:52
 corey johnson: 

Let's hope this holds up!

Democrats are cheered by early numbers showing that Obama holds a healthy lead in Vigo County, a place that one Dem described to us as "the most reliable bellwether county in the country."

"Vigo has only been wrong on president twice since 1892," this Dem enthuses.

A story in the Indy Star concurs, adding that of the most reliable bellwhether counties in the country, Vego "has voted closest to the national margin."

Right now, in Vigo County, Obama is up 57%-42%, with 80% reporting.

7:54
 [Comment From Steve, Jeremy, and Omri]
CBS is calling West Virginia for McCain, brining him to 13 Electoral votes
7:54
 [Comment From Ernie]
I'm proud that my state, VT, was the first one up for Obama with our massive :-) 3 electoral votes. Certainly hoping VT sets the trend for the evening when it comes to the more closely contested states.
7:56
 Andy Towle:  Our reader David from California writes in: "I just returned from working the polls for the No on 8 campaign.   Two of us were based at a polling station located in an upscale home in a liberal, Jewish neighborhood near Beverly Hills.   For the most part, we had great support.   But we did encounter some angry homophobes.   One guy called me a “fucking weirdo” and a “freak” and threatened to call the cops on me for what he presumed was illegal behavior (it wasn’t...we were well outside the 100 feet mark).   Another McCain supporter acted like he was going to run me and my colleague over.   But the best part was finding out that my colleague, who is working the polls all day from 6:30am to 8:30pm, didn’t fill out an absentee ballot.   That’s because he can’t vote.   HE’S ONLY 17!   How cool is that!?   Turns out his Mom worked on the No on Briggs Amendment back in the 70s that tried to ban gay and lesbian teachers.   That’s what I call Family Values.   Go Gay Youth!"
7:56
 Andy Towle:  Thanks, David
8:01
 [Comment From Cody]
Hi from Cali!  I'm proud to report that the polling location in the middle of Hillcrest (the gay area of San Diego) was staffed with extremely helpful poll workers, no problems at all, everyone in good spirits.  Also, I'd like to throw in that I saw a 40-something holding a "Yes on 8" sign on a corner next to an on ramp to the 5.  I saw people giving him thumbs down.  Thankfully it rained this morning, and I maneuvered myself to where he was the recipient of a huge splash and people laughed. :)
8:02
 corey johnson:  Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, New Jersey, Maine (3 out of 4 electoral votes), Delaware, Maryland and Washington, DC are all being called for Obama.

Oklahoma, Tennessee and South Carolina are being called for McCain.   


8:03
 Signorile:  MSNBC is calling PA for Obama. CNN still not calling.
8:06
 [Comment From Mike -Whittier Ca]
ABC is predicting PA for Obama as well
8:06
 [Comment From Mike -Whittier Ca]
FLA is showing Obama with a 300,000 vote lead
8:07
 Signorile:  With 11% of precincts reporting, Amendment 2 in FL is at 59%. Needs 60% to pass. Still early, let's hope.
8:11
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
MSNBC called Penn for Obama!!!!  mcshame was hoping Penn.  Is Derrick from Philly in here??  Yeahaaaa Penn for holding the line
8:11
 [Comment From Jeremy/Good As You]
I'll be fine with a 59% Florida win
8:11
 [Comment From Erick]
CNNs analysis of Indiana so far at the county level was very interesting. Very promising compared to 4 years ago. Over performing Kerry, taking over red counties. Florida seems the same. Crossing fingers.
8:12
What is your libation of choice? We're having Corona Light at Towleroad HQ.
Beer
( 17% )
Vodka
( 28% )
Wine
( 21% )
Kool-Aid
( 2% )
Soda
( 18% )
Champagne
( 13% )
8:12
 corey johnson:  The numbers in Indiana and Virginia are looking promising for Obama.   McCain is underperforming in swing counties there.   In Indiana -- some of the key Democratic strongholds haven't reported yet and the DC suburbs outside of VA hasn't reported yet either.

We'll be looking at Linda Ketner's House race in South Carolina.   Linda is an openly lesbian candidate running in a heavily Republican district against Henry Brown.   It's a close race and we're awaiting the numbers.
8:14
 [Comment From Ray]
BTW, is there one site monitoring LGBT candidates?
8:15
 Andy Towle:  We'll try to keep you updated, but check out the Victory Fund blog too.
8:19
 corey johnson:  MSNBC has just called the Senate race in New Hampshire.   Former Governor Jeanne Shaheen has beaten incumbent Senator John Sununu.   Shaheen was an incredibly pro-LGBT Governor.

Mark Warner won in Virginia   earlier and Shaheen winning puts the Democrats at gaining two net seats right now in the Senate.

We're waiting to see numbers on Kay Hagan against Elizabeth Dole in North Carolina.
8:22
 [Comment From Jeremy/Good As You]
FYI: Florida just hit 60% for the gay ban
8:23
 corey johnson:  FOX News is projecting State Senator Kay Hagan has defeated first term North Carolina Senator Elizabeth Dole.   If this bears out -- it will be a net gain of 3 seats so far for the Democrats.

Democrats are only worried about Senator Mary Landrieu in Louisiana.   

We'll be looking at that race closely.
8:23
 [Comment From Chris]
Fox is also clling for McConnell in KY
8:23
 [Comment From BostonDave]
A small victory - our Question 2 passed, so we just decriminalized marijuana possession in Massachusetts! (and of course, Kerry was reelected!)
8:24
 [Comment From Erick]
A few minutes ago I saw Faux News giving the race to Hagan 60/36. That must have hurt.
8:26
 [Comment From Conor]
Polls on Landrieu have been great the last week
8:26
 [Comment From WindReader]
Dole is outahere!
8:27
 [Comment From Daniel in Dallas]
With Fox News saying Hagan beat Dole that brings the Senate gain to 3 correct?
8:27
 Andy Towle:  yes, three in the Senate
8:30
 [Comment From jay]
Canada is crossing it's collectve fingers for Obama
8:30
 [Comment From Chris]
MSNBC calls PA for Obama
8:35
 corey johnson:  ABC News now projects that Barack Obama has won New Hampshire's 4 electoral votes.   New Hampshire and Pennsylvania were two states that John McCain had targeted to flip from Democrat to Republican from 2004.

New Hampshire also fueled McCain's comeback in the 2000 and 2004 Republican primaries.

Big pick-up for Obama.
8:36
 Andy Towle:  Congratulations Kay Hagan and North Carolina!
8:36
Expand
8:38
 [Comment From Jack]
CNN's exit polls on FL Amdt 2 are a nightmare - all groups supported it with the exception of very young people. 61% of men supported and 60% of women. all races supported the amendment. I hope this isn't the case in CA!
8:38
 corey johnson:  Georgia is being called for Senator McCain.   It's a state that was contested at the end by the Obama campaign.   

We're still looking at the Senate race in Georgia where Senator Saxby Chambliss is up against Democrat Jim Martin.   If no candidate gets 50% of the vote -- it goes to a December run-off.

The numbers are still looking good for Obama.   Virginia and Indiana still haven't been called -- which isn't good news for the Republicans.
8:40
 Signorile:  CNN calls PA for Obama.   And his numbers in North Carolina are very good.
8:41
 Andy Towle:  Mike, what's the craziest thing you heard on your show today?
8:41
 corey johnson:  Very early numbers on the Ketner vs. Brown race in South Carolina.

SC-01: 5% in, Brown up 59-41 -- let's hope that Linda Ketner can turn it around and hopefully represent us in Congress.
8:42
 [Comment From Dave]
If the exit polls on FL's Amendment 2 are correct, then once again we will have seen that respondents lie to the pre-election pollsters.  All pre-election polls had the amendment at less than th 60% needed to pass.
8:42
 [Comment From Ray]
Jay, good for Canada! PBS Newshour had a seg on the huge excitement Obama has generated all over the world ... we will have a President to be proud of.
8:45
 [Comment From David, Dallas, TX]
Will someone please explain to me what happens if we DO end up losing all of these ballot initiatives?  Or if we win, for that matter.  Can we/they appeal?  Does it mean that a state judge can not overturn something as 'unconstitutional' if, in fact, voters decide to redefine it to be 'unconstitutional?'  If that is the case, would it have to then move to the federal level?  I am pretty much ignorant/confused/misinformed about what happens after ALL of this, so I would greatly appreciate an explanation.
8:46
 Signorile: 

There were a lot Andy, but here is one: One man in Florida told us that he and his father went to vote together. His father promised to vote for Obama and against Amendment 2. A neighbor came over to them making racist remarks about Obama, in sort of hideous poem. Then warned them about voting for the black guy.

When they came out, his father admitted he switched and voted for McCain -- but still voted against amendment 2.       Insane.

8:49
 [Comment From Jack]
There is no appeal to the Federal level  - marriage is defined by the states, so once a state amends its constitution, that's it until they amend it again. The only hope of a Federal case is to force states to recognize what happens in another state - which most LGBT  groups are afraid to bring now because of the disastrous consequences of a negative decision
8:49
 [Comment From Jay]
A judge cannot overturn it as unconstitutional but a person can file a suit against the proposition or it can be repealed in Legislature.
8:49
 [Comment From Mike -Whittier Ca]
Ultiamtely it will probably be challenged as a violation of Civil Rights if Prop 8 passes. many legal observers have predicted that pre-Prop. 8 marriages would be upheld by the same state Supreme Court justices who authorized those marriages. That view is shared by Attorney General Jerry Brown, whose office would represent the state in any lawsuit over the ballot measure.
8:51
 corey johnson:  Democrats have picked up two House seats in the State of Florida.

Suzanna Kosmas and Alan Grayson beat Tom Feeney and Ric Keller.   Those are two swing districts, so it's encouraging news for the Obama campaign.
8:54
 Signorile: 

With 38% of precincts in Amendment 2 in FL is at 63% (needs 60 to pass). Seems some of the larger urban counties aren't in, but obviously a concern.

8:54
Expand
8:55
 [Comment From Terry Miller]
David in Dallas: Californian here.  The key on our Prop8 is that it's a constitutional amendment.  So, what happened was our State Supreme Court decided marriage was not limited to man/woman under CA State constitution.  (Meaning Legislature can't just pass a law limiting it.)  Then they got signatures and put a constitutional amendment on the ballot.  So, I suppose we'd have to do the same to reverse it.  Many people think Western States in particular (I lived in Oregon for 18 years) set too low of a threshold for signatures to do a constitutional amendment by initiative, and then the constitutions get cluttered up with things that look more like regular laws - statutes.  There may be some other way it could turn around, but I think it would have to involve the US Supremes somehow reversing the CA constitutional initiative, and that seems unlikely.
8:55
 [Comment From Ray]
Dave, since these ballot initiatives are amendments to state constitutions, that decides the matter until these amendments are repealed, or until the US Supreme Court finds them all in conflict with the US Constitution, something not likely to happen until the composition of the Supreme Court changes.
8:55
 [Comment From zevin]
I am nervous about California.  I am from TX my partner and I of 12 years drove to San Fran just to tie the knot.  Come in California.
8:55
 [Comment From Dave]
IF we lose Prop 8, then the CA Supreme Court cannot overturn it, since the CA constitution itself will have been amended.  It could in theory be overturned on Federal Constitutional grounds, but there is no legal support for the proposition that the US Constitution mandates same-sex marriage, and even if the CA Supreme Court or a federal court were to do so, it would not survive appeal to the US Supreme Court.  Unless of course Obama appoints 5 or 6 new justices in his first year.
8:56
 corey johnson:  None of the states that have been called yet have switched from Republican to Democrat or Democrat to Republican from 2004.

We're still waiting to see what happens in Virginia, Indiana and North Carolina.

These are three states that Republicans have traditionally won but have been heavily contested by Obama.

Obama's last stop on the campaign trail was this morning in Indiana after voting in Chicago.
8:56
 Andy Towle:  Send us photos of your election parties and if I get some fun ones I'll put them up.

8:56
 Andy Towle:  tips@towleroad.com
8:56
 [Comment From Zack Ford]
Hey all!  Just wanted to say there are 12 or so of us gay men at Iowa State University watching election results together in a residence hall!
9:01
 [Comment From Mike -Whittier Ca]
Local LA News is reporting  Police said a shouting match between the two groups escalated when one of the Yes on 8 supporters, described as a Polynesian man in his 20s, crossed the street and assaulted a 17-year-old girl holding a No on 8 sign.
9:01
 [Comment From Zac in San Diego]
Just got a robocall for Prop 8 - they're using a soundbite of Obama stating that marriage is between a man and a woman, a sacred union, God's in the mix, etc. I can only imagine that these have been going on all day. Not sure how they got my number though which is infuriating and the number is blocked unlike most of the other political robocalls I've received, all of which were for candidates I support.
9:04
 corey johnson:  Wisconsin and MInnesota -- two swing states have been called for Obama.

McCain has won North Dakota, which was contested late in the game by Obama.

Lots of 9 PM poll closings.

Plenty of states that are too close to call.
9:04
 [Comment From Chris]
HAHAHAHA Arizona too close to call
9:06
 [Comment From Guest]
Strange but true, Arizona is being held as too close to call!
9:06
 [Comment From Craig]
Hi from NZ, watching our news media cover the election here and crossing our fingers for Obama! Thanks for the liveblog, you're keeping me and my partner updated faster than our media ever could, hehe.
9:14
 corey johnson:  Congressman Tom Udall has won the Senate seat in the state of New Mexico -- which puts the net gain at 4 seats for the Democrats.


9:14
 Andy Towle:  Pam, over at Pam's House Blend, one of our favorite blogs, posted the following clip. Pam writes: "I just dare you to watch this and not be moved. He didn't say it in so many words, but I'm willing to bet that Charles Alexander has thought to himself at some point, 'I never thought I'd live to see the day...'"
9:14 [Video file] YouTube: TW-6DpC-mj8 Play
9:15
 Andy Towle:  Visit Pam here.
9:16
 [Comment From Ben]
From North Dakota here - confused about the call for McCain.  The largest population centers, specifically Grand Forks County and Cass County (Fargo) have yet to report...  actually only 2 counties have reported...  we here are hopeful that the projection was premature
9:16
 [Comment From Rick]
It looks like an initiative banning gay couples from adopting in Arkansas is 58%/42% in favor of with 1% of precincts reporting according to CNN.com
9:17
 [Comment From Alex in SF]
CNN's exit poll for AZ's Prop 102 has the "Yes" vote at about 55%. Does anyone know what's needed for it to pass?
9:17
 [Comment From Paul in PHX]
What a contrast, Obama with tens of thousands of people gathering to see him in Chicago. Here in Phoenix the local media says that McCain and Palin are hold up in his penthouse waiting to go to an exclusive closed invitation party at the Biltmore Resort. This is tyhe difference between these guys, one wants to include everyone, the other wants to keep it an exclusive club.
9:17
 [Comment From Ben & James]
We're keeping our fingers crossed that the projection in ND is wrong.  We worked very hard to turn this state blue, and none of our population centers have reported.
9:19
 corey johnson:  Fox News projects Ohio for Barack Obama!

This is BIG folks!
9:20
 [Comment From crispy]
In AZ, Prop 102 only needs to pass by 50%
9:23
 [Comment From David, Dallas, TX]
Thanks everyone for the explanations.  Basically, what I think I've learned is what I've suspected: None of us can rest easy until all state measures are overturned federally, and we don't want to try that until we have the support (right?).  If that is the case, does it go on the ballot in each state every time it gets the required signatures?   I don't want to stress about this every election cycle!  Again, I'm sorry if these questions are ignorant.
9:23
 [Comment From Tanner]
The standings in FL and AZ make me very nervous about CA
9:24
 Signorile: 

It now becomes very difficult for McCain. He must get Florida, VA, Mo  and NC, I believe. And perhaps and CO. What do you think Corey?

9:26
 Andy Towle:  MSNBC calls Ohio for Obama.
9:26
 Andy Towle:  This is huge.
9:27
 corey johnson:  The math isn't adding up for McCain.

The path to victory is very narrow -- he'd need to win every swing state now and take some unexpected states right now.

The Obama campaign must be very happy right now.

9:28
 [Comment From MattintheUK]
BBC News has just projected for Obama in Ohio!
9:28
 [Comment From crispy]
AZ is a HUGE mormon state. We're probably gonna lose gay marriage there. But that shouldn't impact CA... keep your hopes up!
9:28
 [Comment From supermanseye]
As a Canadian I am so relieved, right now.  I am proud of you guys.  Looks like race, in many aspects is irrelevant tonight
9:31
 [Comment From Mike -Whittier Ca]
Landrieu is still leading in Louisiana
9:33
 corey johnson:  CNN calls the Kentucky Senate race for Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.   This was a race the Democrats were targeting.

To get to 60 seats now -- the Democrats will need to win in Georgia or Mississippi.

That's assuming they win in Minnesota and Oregon.
9:34
 [Comment From Michael]
New Mexico for Obama now
9:37
 [Comment From Ernie]
They're having conniptions over on Greta's FOX blog, telling FOX to STOP calling the races and just shut up! Because it's not going their way, FOX is being lumped into the horrible "liberal media." Even Joe Scarborough is saying Florida is looking bad for McCain. It's not nice to gloat, but boy do I love seeing their hopes collapse.
9:38
 [Comment From joe del hierro]
exit polling on prop 8 has it 52 to 48 in OUR FAVOR! in california!!
9:38
 corey johnson:  MSNBC calls New Mexico for Obama.

Ohio and New Mexico are two states that have flipped from Republican to Democrat this year.

Bush won both states.
9:40
 [Comment From chad]
folks worried about FL--msnbc is reporting that most of the southern parts of the state haven't reported yet. i dont want to give people false hope, but it may be a good sign.
9:40
 [Comment From Rafael]
Amendment 2: Yes: 51.38 No: 48.62 with only 218 out of 786 precincts have reported
9:44
 [Comment From Jon]
I am puzzled by the glee on this blog.  By all indications, this may be a good night for Obama, but it seems to be a terrible night for gays.  Current stats show Amendment 2 passing in FL  63.5-36.5.  Also appears that a disgusting measure to prohibit gays and any unmarried straights from being foster parents or adopting is also passing.  Exit polls show the marriage amendment in AZ passing.  And Prop 8 is razor thin.  Once again, we get screwed.
9:46
 corey johnson:  CNN reports that attendees at McCain's "victory rally" have been cut off from the news. So unless they're checking their Blackberries and iPhones, they don't know the race is over.
9:46
 [Comment From Guest]
Well, at least they can't take away our right to get screwed!
9:46
 corey johnson:  That's from Daily Kos.
9:49
 corey johnson:  Christopher Shays, the last remaining Republican in the Northeast, has jus conceded to Democrat Jim Himes.

This is considered a key win for the Democrats.
9:50
 [Comment From Rafael]
For the official results on Amendment 2 visit: http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/FL/Broward/8512/12515/en/summary.html#
9:50
 [Comment From Paul in PHX]
Its not glee, just optimism that we have more of a chance with Obama than we ever would with McCain and his little christian family values running mate. I view the individual propositions as one offs where the right wing christian crazy crowd are throwing it all in. These issues are not, I hope representative of the majority of the country. California will hurt if we loose, but FL and here in AZ....not so much.....after Az is part of crazy-land with a mega church on every corner.
9:51
 [Comment From Br!on]
I have a question.  CNN in their site right now is reporting 199 electoral votes for Obama and 78 for McCain.  What does that mean?
9:52
 Andy Towle:  That means we're winning :-)

9:52
 [Comment From chad]
good news coming out of CO: marilyn musgrave (co-4) is down 61%-39% to betsey markey with 32% of precincts reporting. musgrave sponsored the marriage amendment in congress back in 2003.
9:53
 [Comment From Phil]
Gaah! I'm nervous, scared, excited...this is my first exlection ever, and it feels great to be part of the democratic process! I jsut wish I could fast-forward and find out the results already!
9:58
What network are you watching TV coverage on?
CNN
( 46% )
MSNBC/NBC
( 35% )
ABC
( 8% )
FOX
( 2% )
CBS
( 2% )
International
( 6% )
9:59
 [Comment From Conor]
Virginia is now in a virtual Tie between Obama and McCain. The difference is less than 2,000. This is nail biting here on the east coast!!!
10:00
 corey johnson:  The suburbs outside of Virginia haven't fully reported yet.

Those numbers will be key.
10:01
 Signorile:  Great on Iowa. So here's what's going to happen: We will be waiting forever for VA, NC,INdiana. Obama will get the 270 when CA and Oregon and WA come in. So, in the end, they wno't call it until all the voting is done, which is good.
10:03
 corey johnson:  Yes -- Iowa becomes the third Bush state to flip to the Democrats.

Iowa, New Mexico and Ohio.

I'm trying to find numbers on the anti-gay initiative in Arkansas which had to do with foster-parenting.
10:03
 [Comment From Aerowired]
Florida not looking good on Amendment 2 :(  62% yes thus far, 38% Againts.  We need to bump ours up to 60%!!!
10:03
 [Comment From vinnie]
same here, phil.  i'm crazy nervous.  not so worried about the presidential race (i mean, come on - we all knew obama would roll over the old man) .. i'm worried about prop 8 here in california.  it's so ridiculously close it's insane!
10:04
 [Comment From Mike]
Don't forget, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are doing their show live in a few minutes!
10:04
 [Comment From Jeff Hall]
Any update from the college men in that dorm room in Iowa??  I can't get them out of my head :)
10:05
 Signorile:  Corey, I have all the numbers on the amendments from OutQ News as they come in.   Arkansas adoption, only 2% of precincts in, and it's leading -- but we really were expected to win that.

We are losing in FL, but Miami Dade has not come in.
10:05
 Andy Towle:  Yes, Iowa men. Picture, please.
10:09
 [Comment From barry]
In Florida, we're worried about Prop 2 (our Prop 8).  Last check was 62% Yes (anti gay) but 60% is required for it to pass.  I think Miami/Dade hasn't reported much so there's still some hope.
10:10
 [Comment From lezhow]
Sydney Australia - great work Andy, loving the blog and comments, working from home today and engrossed with CNN coverage and fantastic site. Keep up the good work and fingers crossed on Prop 8 being defeated.
10:10
 Andy Towle:  thanks Sydney
10:10
 [Comment From marriedinca]
hope we're still married in an hour
10:11
 [Comment From Claes Lilja]
Arkansas adoption initiative still at 59% yes and 41% no, with 7% reporting according to CNN
10:11
 corey johnson:  Prop 8 numbers won't start reporting until California polls close at 8 PM eastern time.

It's going to be a close contest, so I assume we won't know about Prop 8 until very late in the night or even tomorrow.
10:13
 Andy Towle:  Uruguay is with us:
10:14
 [Comment From Gary]
Hi from Montevideo, Uruguay....Everyone here is watching the election closely, frustrated that they can't vote, since the outcome affects everyone around the world.  I voted several weeks ago, but personally, am very anxious about Prop 8 in CA.  It's already past 1 a.m. and have to work tomorrow, so will be up early looking for GOOD NEWS!
10:17
 [Comment From Erisedilla]
From Grenoble, France, I've gotten up in the middle of the night (It's 4AM) to check how things are doing, even though I have class at 8. Most of the major news channels are still running and the whole country seems to be seized by Obama-mania. I'm glad it's looking good.
10:17
 [Comment From Emmy]
Vancouver, Canada -- Locals and expatriates in Vancouver following the election very closely.  Needless to say, many here are hoping for a Obama win.  The CBC has reported some Canadians have even gone to the US to help with the Obama campaign.
10:18
 Andy Towle:  Looks like Obama is pulling ahead in Virginia!
10:18
 [Comment From Michael]
I'm so happy Iowa finally turned back to a blue state. I am a student at Boston College, but I am from Iowa and am very proud right now. Just waiting for the Prop. 8 results and am wishing I could have helped out more! Good luck in California!
10:18
 [Comment From Guest]
how come my comments arent being posted?  There are some gays who do support McCain.
10:18
 Andy Towle:  There.
10:19
 [Comment From Cristian]
Brisbane, Australia here. Watching with great interest and hoping strongly for an Obama win and also a defeat on Prop 8!
10:23
 Andy Towle:  Call everyone you know in California and urge them to vote 'No on Prop 8' - word is that turnout is low in many places because voters are taking an Obama victory for granted and aren't voting.
10:24
 [Comment From sparky]
A few neighbors had yes on H8 signs. I controlled myself. But I will not forget who they are.
10:24
 [Comment From Dan Harrison]
Thank goodness, Elizabeth Dole is out of here! Go Kay Hagen! And Obama is still ahead in NC too.
10:24
 [Comment From AED]
Sad news from MN, with 24% of counties reporting, Michele Bachmann is about 5% ahead.
10:24
 [Comment From ben]
sydney, australia here - called in sick today so i can watch the results live - loving what i'm seeing so far.  is there any news on prop 8 yet? any kind of prediction?
10:24
 [Comment From Rick]
Arizona's Prop 102 is currently at 65/35 in favor with 2% of precincts reporting.  Really hoping for good news when Prop 8 news comes in.
10:26
 towleroad:  i finally got out to vote here in Venice, CA about an hour ago and it was disturbingly empty. they said it had fallen off aobut 90 minutes ago, thought had been strong all day. I'm very afraid about 8. Seriously folks, if you have people you can check on about voting they have another half hour and can probably just run in and out like i did.. maybe they saw the lines earlier and haven't gone back.     this is literally the last push we can do. make a call...
10:26
 [Comment From alan m]
any news on the NY state senate race?
10:27
 towleroad:  sorry this is Michael Goff. didn't mean to sign in with our blog   name.

10:28
 [Comment From Philip]
There's too much to scroll to view all that has been written so far, I'm wondering if Question #1 on the Connecticut ballot (Constitutional Convention) has been reported yet?
10:28
 corey johnson:  Regarding the New York State Senate.   Democrats are down 1 seat for a tie and 2 seats to take the majority.

It looks like Democrats are going to win a key seat on Long Island and also a seat in Queens.

They're up in a Rochester seat and it's too close to call in the Buffalo suburbs.

The Democrats are optimistic.

This will be a major achievement toward gaining marriage equality in New York State.
10:29
 Andy Towle:  Hartford Courant reporting on the Constitutional Convention vote: "Voters were moving Tuesday night toward rejecting the state's first Constitutional convention in more than 40 years – after a short, fierce battle of television ads by both sides. As soon as the results started coming in, the trend against the convention began. A series of small towns, including Andover, Colebrook, Columbia, Canterbury, Warren, Willington, and Woodstock, all voted against the convention by huge margins. The widest margin in the early results was in Woodstock with 66 percent against and only 34 percent in favor. Voters in West Hartford were also rejecting the idea by more than a 2 to 1 margin, according to unofficial results.
10:31
 [Comment From Terry Miller]
Andy, me being  a Westerner forever (shhh, but grew up in Alaska) I'm used to races being called before we vote.  I think it tends to depress the losers more than the winners in terms of turnout, but maybe I'm wrong (re: your warning about Prop8).  And I got that same Obama-recording anon robocall for Yes-on-8 that the other commenter mentioned.  And David from Dallas, its very rare for US Supremes to over-rule State Supremes on matters that are theoretically state matters (not that it stopped 'em on medical marijuana).  If we lose our only real choice is another initiative.
10:31
 Signorile:  Colorado congresswoman Marilyn Musgrave, sponsor of federal marriage amendment, losing, 61-39 with 32% of precincts reporting.

Mycarthyite Michele Bachmann, leading 47-43, with 20% in.
10:32
 Andy Towle:  We're hearing turnout in Orange County is low which could be good for "No on 8" Get out and vote if you haven't in California, please.
10:33
 towleroad:  awesome news, signorile

10:34
 [Comment From CurtAustinTX]
Andy, my mother in San Diego says lines are hundreds of people deep!
10:34
 [Comment From Alan m]
thanks Michael re:  NY state senate.  Hard to find news online for state race
10:34
 [Comment From Philip]
Thank you Andy!!!!   WOO HOO!!!  November 12th is the first day of marriages for lesbians and gays here!!!
10:35
 [Comment From Humblehoe]
what's the exit poll status on CA's prop 8 and FL's prop 2?
10:35
 [Comment From Mike in LA]
Local news reported that turnout in LA county has been enormous, which is encouraging for Prop 8
10:35
 [Comment From Steve]
I live in OC.  the Yes on 8 signs were ALL OVER THE PLACE this morning.  Much more than I've EVER seen!!!!  I nearly wrecked my car this morning I was so angry
10:36
 corey johnson:  Things aren't looking so good in Florida on Amendment 2.

It's at 62.6 percent right now.   It needs over 60 percent.

We'll keep taking a look at these numbers.

Some of the counties in Southern Florida hasn't come in yet -- so there's reason for hope.
10:36
 [Comment From Chadnnocal]
It's getting nasty out hear in Silicon Valley.  Just passed a polling location with Prop 8 supporters
10:36
 [Comment From BVC]
Being a very recent former resident of North Carolina, one of the last things I did was to send in my absentee ballot marked for Kay Hagen rather than Elizabeth Dole. I am thrilled that I was able to have a small part in kicking that lying cow to the curb. Her behavior this election was completely appalling, only worthy of her predecessor. (I have also had the pleasure of meeting both of these women and I am confident that the state is now seeing them for who they really are.) And after fifteen years of voting in elections, this one has got to the most exciting one I have ever been a part of. Obama has quickened my tired political heart!
10:36
 [Comment From Patrick]
Reading you here from Houston, TX.  I can't believe how close the numbers are here in TX so far.  It's such a stinkin Republican state.  Go Obama!!
10:36
 [Comment From crispy]
OMG... 65% voting no against gay marriage ban in AZ... granted, only 2% precincts have reported, but give me a few seconds to be excited
10:37
 towleroad:  and here is an amazing clip you may not have seen of Matt Damon rallying the crowd in Miami to get out the vote for Obama. May it inspire you to make some calls to California...and as i just said to Andy we needed some hot guys making news toonight. Just because we're blogging the election   doesn't mean that we shouldn't live up to our principles of a healthy mix of healthy (and smart and politically right on) men

10:37 [Video file] YouTube: pNBsjacZsyU Play
10:38
 [Comment From Claes Lilja]
Arkansas adoption race 57% yes. 43% no with 22% reporting
10:38
 Signorile: 

Yeah Corey, and 69% of the vote is in in FL.   Not good.

On the adoption measure in Arkansas: With 22% reporting, we're losting 57 -43

10:38
 [Comment From H]
Arizona's proposition 102: 56% yes, 44% no, with 4% precincts reporting... (CNN)
10:38
 [Comment From Mike]
Same here in Riverside County, I wanted to rip the Yes on 8 signs off, I drove by a group yesterday and flipped them off out of my sun roof.
10:38
 [Comment From Hamp]
I'm in Venice, the lines were huge earlier - my son got back from voting about an hour ago and he said there was still a big line
10:38
 [Comment From barry in FL]
Prop 2 still at 62% with 69% of votes counted.  Still crossing fingers re: Miami.
10:39
 [Comment From daftpunkydavid]
FL's 2 is basically guaranteed to pass ; i am so scared about prop 8; every one's all giddy and rejoicing, but i'm so anxious....
10:39
 towleroad:  hamp, where in venice are you all voting. the church on Brooks was literally 12 workers me and one other voter about 90 mins ago. happy to hear it.
10:40
 [Comment From Rob]
Firstly, Andy you're amazing. The fact that you continue to make this THE place for gay men is astounding--and the fact that you have someone like Signorile on board is equally incredible. I listen to his show on Sirius daily and ready your blog almost hourly.  *enough butt kissing*   Here in LA, it's looking dismal for "No on 8" please call everyone you know--only 20 mins left.  I've been called three times in the last 40 mins by the "Yes on 8" people even using barack's voice saying "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman." Deplorable.  Thanks again Andy (and Michaelangelo) for continuing to be on the forefront of our issues.
10:41
 [Comment From Travis in Dallas]
Thank you Andy and everyone from the blogs. The live blog is very helpful and cool. I am grateful for all of the information you keep giving us.
10:41
 [Comment From Claes Lilja]
I walked by several polling stations in Culver City about an hour ago and pretty dead there
10:41
 [Comment From ben - sydney]
man, cnn must have used up their entire year's graphics budget on this broadcast  - anyone else just see that 3d white house just pop up?
10:42
 [Comment From Hamp]
We voted at California and 6th - the senior housing project.
10:43
 [Comment From sfdj]
VA - 91% precincts reporting = 51/49 Obama leads
10:43
 [Comment From Jeff Hall]
Fingers crossed for "No on Prop 8", however if it does pass, the battle is far from lost.  See this July 19th article from Gay.com: "Analysis: Marriage might survive ban's passage"  http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2008/07/19/1
10:44
 [Comment From vinnie]
yeah, the networks have gone buck wild with their graphics. have you seen nbc with their rotunda? lol
10:44
 [Comment From Alex in Boston]
Hey Andy  Great Job !!  Just signing on  How is prop 8 going in CA
10:45
 Andy Towle:  Thanks guys - your tips have all been really helpful. Prop 8 is still in the balance. Turnout in California said to be low. Let's hope people on the "No" side got out and voted.
10:45
 [Comment From Superman]
Just wanted to report that El Paso, Texas has its first GAY sheriff:  Richard Wiles!  Yeeeee haaaaw!  :)
10:46
 [Comment From harry-nyc]
yeah, me and my gays are loving the CNN toys
10:46
 Signorile:  The voting on Amendment 2 is not good in Tampa, but the three most populous urban areas (South  Florida)   have not come in. So that could change.

Interesting note: There is so far little evidence that African-American Obama supporters went for Amendment 2, which is good news for us re: Prop 8 in CA.
10:46
 [Comment From supermanseye]
CNN indeed.
10:46
 [Comment From mgccom]
the cnn hologram was horrible, only saw them do it once
10:47
 [Comment From Fred]
Andy, ditto above re Signorile -- quite a 'get.'  And Signorile, you have about an hour left to get to California and marry me.
10:47
 Signorile:  I meant to say: There is so far little evidence that African-American Obama supporters went for Amendment 2 more than any other group, which is good news for us re: Prop 8 in CA. 
10:47
 [Comment From Alex in Boston]
so Va may go O
10:47
 [Comment From James in NM]
That hologram thing was the craziest thing I've seen on CNN.  What is up with Special Effects?  Is Michael Bay producing election night coverage?
10:47
 [Comment From Guest]
Working for NO On 8 in South Pasadena here. Pretty Quiet all day.  Hope the turnout was bigger elsewhere. A Yes on 8 voter threatened to punch one of our volunteers for handing out no on 8 cards 100 feet from the polls. Which, by the way, is TOTALLY LEGAL! We must defeat this evil amendment!
10:49
 [Comment From mgccom]
13% vote in, AZ 102 is passing
10:49
 [Comment From Michael]
So... Where's Comedy Central on the whole "What network are you watching?"  I'm watching the map on NYTimes.com and watching Indecision2008.  Why anything else?
10:49
 Andy Towle:  Sorry Michael, they hadn't started their live broadcast when we put up the poll. Lots of Towleroad people watching Comedy Central though. Love them.
10:50
 [Comment From Abe]
Sig heard ur show for he first time today i enjoyed it much ... love u guys
10:51
 [Comment From branvanfan]
fox news predicts obama wins virginia
10:52
 [Comment From JayDub]
Here in Indiana... still holding our breath!  Good grief.. I'm having chest pains (not really - but I am.)
10:52
 [Comment From Philip]
PBS is reporting that McCain is scheduled to speak at 11 and Obama about 11:30.  Crowds in Chicago for Obama are becoming massive.
10:52
 [Comment From ClintonDallasTX]
Superman, Lupe Valdez, Texas first female and first gay sheriff has just been reelected to a second term in Dallas County.
10:53
 [Comment From ben - sydney]
sweet jebus - are they for real with the cnn hologram of will.i.am?
10:53
 [Comment From Guest]
will.i.am hologram? wtf cnn?!!
10:53
 [Comment From dion]
CNN WOW! hologram interviews
10:54
 [Comment From Sandy in Calif]
I pulled up Florida counties and so many are in the 70-85% for the ban- not sure how we can come back from that
10:54
 Andy Towle:  FOX News has called Viriginia for Obama!!!!!
10:54
 [Comment From Steve]
the CNN hologram is ridiculous.  Help me Anderson Cooper....you're my only hope
10:55
 [Comment From ben - sydney]
cnn have gone hologram crazy!
10:55
 [Comment From blue]
I'm lovin El Paso!
10:55
 [Comment From Hamp]
Some of the No on 8 signs in Venice this morning were plastered over with Spanish Yes on 8 stickers.  Took me an hour to remove them this morning.
10:55
 [Comment From Brent]
No problems with voting here in Studio City, CA.  So great to see all the No on 8 signs and reps on the streets!
10:55
 [Comment From harry-nyc]
I kinda like the CNN hologram... I mean, why not?  Obama is the future and CNN is tagging right along!
10:56
 [Comment From Guest]
As far as i can see OBAMA is the next president of the United States!  YAY!  he will hold all the Kerry states and only needs 18 more electoral votes--Ohio has 20 Electoral Votes and he won that state and so it is over in my eyes.  No way CA, OR, and WA or HI are going for McCain.  NO WAY!  Let's cross our fingers that Prop 8 goes down!
10:56
 Andy Towle:  MCCain is expected to concede at approximately 11 pm. Reporters have been called to the lawn.
10:57
 [Comment From jonathan]
Jeff- I've been wondering about that- thanks for the link. It really seems suspect that a simple majority could decide to revoke the rights of an entire class of people.  And not even a simple majority of eligible voters, but of actual votes cast. Here's hoping!
10:57
 Signorile:  Source at NBC says NBC will call FL at 11 -- after CA comes in. It will all be over then.
10:58
 [Comment From CB]
Unofficial results from Oklahoma: FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT NO. 84                           18 OF   22           SALLY KERN                            REP     5,846   58.36%           RON MARLETT                           DEM     4,171   41.64%
10:58
 Andy Towle:  Yuck.
10:58
 Andy Towle:  CNN calls Virginia for Obama!
10:59
 [Comment From Glen]
Did anyone see the "hologram" interview Anderson Cooper just dd on CNN. It was too Princess Leia. Anderson looked great, but it was hard to take the interview seriously. Watching from Canada!
10:59
 Andy Towle:  I can't believe I missed that.
10:59
 [Comment From Ventura79]
CNN has officially jumped the shark with that hologram stuff! I couldnt stop laughing, but hey, Anderson is easy on the eye to look at and I wouldnt wanna be watching the elections on any other channel!  But I am waiting for Jem & The Holograms to perform by the end of the evening LOL !
10:59
 corey johnson:  From the Victory Fund blog which works to elect openly LGBT candidates -

The Victory Fund proudly announces more wins for our endorsed candidates.

– Bruce Harris - Republican Bruce Harris will serve another term as member of the Chatham, NJ Borough Council.

– Jason Lorber - In 2007, Vermont state representative Jason Lorber successfully spearheaded an effort to pass a bill prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity.

– Cheryl Coakley-Rivera - Cheryl is the highest-ranking, longest-serving openly gay elected official in the Massachusetts State House.


11:00
 Andy Towle:  CNN projects Barack OBama elected President!!!!!

11:00
 [Comment From erich]
in LA, down by USC there are still some diehard No on 8 folks.  We'll fight it to the end
11:01
 [Comment From martin]
70,000 tickets issued for Grant park in Chicago
11:01
 [Comment From Chris M @ Hunk du Jour]
Advocate.com is down, but Towleroad is going strong!
11:02
 Andy Towle:  A new day has come!!!!!!
11:02
 [Comment From AED]
ABC News has now labeled Obama "President-Elect"
11:02
 [Comment From brian]
amazing sight at Grant Park!
11:02
 [Comment From Claes Lilja]
I am crying tears of joy over Obama's victory! It is our victory! It is the whole world's victory!
11:02
 [Comment From Dan Harrison]
HE WON!!!!!!! PRESIDENT OBAMA
11:02
 [Comment From NickR]
AP Says Florida has gone to Obama
11:02
 [Comment From brad]
you'll forgive the irony, but praise god, praise god, praise god.
11:02
 [Comment From Ventura79]
tears! =)
11:02
 [Comment From Superman]
ClintonDallasTX - great news from Dallas!  Baby steps for Texas.  It can't remain red forever!  Yup!  Obama is President!!!  Stay tuned for the defeat of Prop 8!!!
11:02
 [Comment From Mike]
Excellent, now the real nail bitter... Prop 8
11:03
 Signorile:  Congratulations Barack Obama! Congratulation to everyone!
11:03
 Andy Towle:  Thank God for our country and the world!
11:03
 [Comment From Patrick]
CNN calls Obama as president!
11:03
 [Comment From Travis in Dallas]
FOX as well
11:03
 [Comment From Jeff Hall]
CNN Calls the election for Obama!!!
11:03
 [Comment From brian]
WOW
11:03
 [Comment From ben - sydney]
cnn just called it for obama!!!!!
11:03
 [Comment From mgccom]
CNN CALLS OBAMA!!!
11:03
 [Comment From Guest]
MSNBC just called Barak the President of the United States
11:03
 [Comment From Chris in Reno]
CNN calls it!
11:04
 [Comment From Barry]
Toronto here proud to be with you as Obama crosses the threshold
11:04
 [Comment From W]
I'm so blown away that I'm sitting here in Australia and was thinking "Hell Yes" at CNN's Virgina call and then this thing clicked and you celebrated too.
11:04
 [Comment From chris bower]
hey andy....thanks so much for all of your coverage tonight and over the last 24 months!!!  you've been amazing
11:04
 [Comment From Paul in PHX]
Cheers to Andy and the Towleroad gang! My Heros. John Stewart has just projected Obama winner...so has CNN
11:04
 [Comment From Emmy]
Vancouver, Canada -- Obama supporters gathering in downtown Vancouver neighbourhood of Yaletown in anticipation of an election win.
11:05
 [Comment From Ventura79]
i didnt think this was gonna happen!!! i am beyond extatic!!!!
11:05
 [Comment From Tom Clark]
Am watching Shelter while watching Obama win and praying that 8 will go down in flames.
11:05
 [Comment From Chris M]
** CHEERS! **
11:05
 [Comment From ben - sydney]
tears of joy in aus too! the us has come to its senses.  happy, happy day
11:05
 [Comment From Michael in SF]
I'm crying so hard with joy. This is AMAZING
11:05
 [Comment From marty]
free at last thank god almighty were free at last
11:05
 [Comment From Thomas McGlinchey]
GO AMERICA :)
11:05
 [Comment From Guest]
Sad Sad day for america.   Gays for Palin 2012.  (be fair and balanced and post this)
11:05
 [Comment From chuy]
cnn just said obama won
11:05
 [Comment From ClintonDallasTX]
For the first time I'm....
11:05
 [Comment From Jay]
amazing... obama for president!!!
11:05
 [Comment From Erick]
Congratulations guys!!!!!!!!!!Histoooooooric!!!!! Tears!!!! A new beginning for the United States and the world!!!
11:05
 [Comment From marriedinca]
what about prop 8\
11:05
 [Comment From branvanfan]
fox news website: president obama
11:05
 [Comment From Guest]
so much for being one sided and not posting comments from Gay Republicans!!
11:05
 [Comment From hotdogphl]
MSNBC calls it as well
11:05
 [Comment From Jonathan]
:)
11:05
 [Comment From Jay]
Can't wait for the speeches.
11:05
 [Comment From Mike]
Loyola Law School to release Prop 8 polls around 8PM A source close to the campaign announced that Loyola Law School plans to announce exit polls around 8 or 8:15PM.
11:06
 [Comment From sfinboston]
The nightmare is over and a new beginning for America!!!!!!!
11:06
 [Comment From Tom]
@ election party in Fort Wayne Indiana. We are beside ourselves that we now live in Blue America. Indiana may even go Blue!!
11:06
 [Comment From JKM n WDC]
I'm one happy camper!!!!
11:06
 corey johnson:  This is so amazing.   How special.

I'm thankful and honored to be able to share it with you all.

GO OBAMA!   A new day is dawning in America and across the world.
11:06
 Andy Towle:  History is made!!!!!
11:06
 [Comment From lezhow]
Welcome back America - Sydney and the world awaits a new beginning
11:06
 [Comment From LikaStarr]
Happy Tears here from Texas!  President Obama!   :D
11:06
 [Comment From Haroon]
Congratulations from Amsterdam, The Netherlands! I'm proud of my American friends!
11:06
 [Comment From Ventura79]
We are living history in the making guys, this is the 1st time since 9-11 that i feel hopeful in my country !!!!!!!
11:06
 [Comment From crispy]
Yay Obama! It's bittersweet though... we're losing gay marriage in FL and AZ.
11:06
 [Comment From Guest]
wish i was in chicago!!
11:06
 [Comment From David, Dallas, TX]
I'm not gonna lie, i loved the holograms, haha!!
11:06
 [Comment From Gary in Dallas]
Thank God - the Supreme Court has won a reprieve from becoming solidly conservative for the remainder of my lifetime.
11:07
 [Comment From brad]
yeah, andy, you have provided my angle on all of this for so long, so thanks
11:07
 [Comment From Ernie]
Yes We Can! Barack Obama is the next president of the United States.
11:07
 [Comment From Ben in Brisbane]
Hurrah... the USA have finally made a smart choice
11:07
 [Comment From Robert P]
hallelujah!!!!!
11:07
 [Comment From Jason]
Obama wins! LET'S CELEBRATE THIS HISTORIC EVENT!
11:07
 [Comment From marriedinca]
okay, but i wanna know about my marriage
11:07
 [Comment From Lara]
Gah! Everyone here from Toronto, Canada wishing all you the best! We're crying... Obama!
11:07
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
Its done  He won and I am freaking crying.  The bush yrs are over.   prop 8?  Any news?
11:07
 [Comment From JayDub]
WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I can't stop the tears!
11:07
 [Comment From Jay]
now we have to wait for prop 8.
11:07
 [Comment From Perry]
when'll barack give his acceptance speech?
11:07
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
I am crying like a baby
11:07
 [Comment From brad]
yeah.  the nightmare is over.  except for the cleanup.
11:08
 [Comment From Gianpiero]
Follow CA Sec. of State results on the propositions (when they start coming in) at: http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/59.htm
11:08
 [Comment From Claes Lilja]
My friend in Cambodia just told me people are whooping and holering with joy over there as well!
11:08
 [Comment From Alex in SF]
ecstatic!!! but... still got prop 8 to wait for... cnn's exit poll has prop 8 failing by about 53%!! let's hope it's true!
11:08
 [Comment From Johnny Collins]
Thank heaven!  =)
11:08
 [Comment From zigtai]
Well done, America! Congratulations from Portugal and thanks for the live blogging!
11:08
 [Comment From mrussso]
sooo stoked on obama!!
11:08
 [Comment From mgccom]
Thank God we don't have to listen to Palin's rants anymore!
11:08
 [Comment From vinnie]
polls closed here in california 7 minutes ago - here is a link to the live prop 8 results from the california secretary of state: http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/map190000000008.htm
11:09
 corey johnson:  Now let's cross our fingers and toes for Proposition 8 failing in California.

We might be up very late for that one.


11:09
 [Comment From CurtAustinTX]
Sitting in the heart of Texas, my heart is swelling with PRIDE for my country!
11:09
 [Comment From Ian]
Congratulations world- do we really have to live with Bush for the winter?
11:09
 [Comment From John from Belgium]
Our day has finally come!  Congratulations everyone!
11:09
 [Comment From dion in az]
Andy, the live blogging was great. thank you so much and keep up the good work. love Towleroad!
11:09
 [Comment From brad]
crying in montreal.  not gonna lie.
11:09
 [Comment From AJ]
OMG!!!! Im so happy!!!!!!!!!!
11:09
 [Comment From Jeff Hall]
Tears of joy!!  Crying like a baby....
11:10
 Andy Towle:  Polls have closed in California. Will bring Prop 8 news as we get it.
11:10
 [Comment From supermanseye]
Hallelullja
11:10
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
brad = great point.  The cleanup.  thankfuly the adults are coming back to DC.  Yes we can
11:10
 [Comment From JKM n WDC]
We have not won the war, but the battle...we need to win a clear majority in the Senate in 2010.
11:10
 [Comment From Erick]
Fingers crossed  against Prop 8
11:11
 [Comment From brad]
did someone actually ACTUALLY say gays for palin?  what's that about?  ah, never mind, i don't really care!
11:11
 [Comment From zabi]
ginapero, have a different link? that one won't work for me
11:11
 [Comment From Guest]
well hope the change that has been promised soon manifests.....
11:12
 corey johnson:  Mark Udall just won a Senate seat in Colorado.   This makes it a 5 seat gain so far for the Democrats.

New Mexico, Colorado, Virginia, North Carolina and New Hampshire.

Oregon and Minnesota will be interesting ones.

Jared Polis has won in Colorado as well -- he'll become the third openly gay member of the House of Representatives.

And for the cherry on top of the sundae -- it looks like hateful Marilyn Musgrave is going down to Democrat Betsey Markey.
11:12
 [Comment From zabi]
neither link will work for me
11:14
 [Comment From Guest]
well done america
11:14
 [Comment From jeremy]
congrats from canada! everyone here is so so so happy for you guys!
11:14
 [Comment From JKM n WDC]
I ditto Dion in AZ
11:14
 [Comment From tim r]
thanks to all our friends around the world. i'm happy that you're happy for us.
11:14
 [Comment From Superman]
i just wanna say that you all make it feel like *FAMILY* here.  I'm truly all choked up.  Better luck and love to all of us during this administration!
11:14
 [Comment From James]
cheers from Louisville Kentucky!
11:14
 [Comment From Kerry]
I am sitting here watching the celebrations on CNN with tears in my eyes.  God Bless this country for finally electing an African American man as President.  This country is ready to change for the better!!  So..... how long before a gay man is elected?  :)
11:15
 Andy Towle:  McCain has called Obama and conceded MSNBC reports.
11:15
 [Comment From Ryan in Cali]
Andy, you rock!  Thank you for all of this!
11:15
 [Comment From Guest]
I haven't been so inspired in so long. Anything really is possible. Congratulations Obama
11:15
 [Comment From Jack]
With the election of Obama a new day dawns for our country. And not ours alone, but the people of the world
11:16
 [Comment From Guest]
prop 8 tension is killing me
11:16
 [Comment From Ben in Brisbane]
LOL @ Brisbanetimes.com.au at this line in their story;
11:16
 [Comment From Mr. GuyTVBlog]
I just left that "inspired" comment, forgot to include my name
11:16
 [Comment From Guest]
McCain called Obama and conceded
11:17
 [Comment From Michael]
Yip! Yip! Yip!  Wish I were in Chicago now to hear his speech in person!
11:17
 [Comment From Tom]
Yay America. Si se puede!
11:17
 [Comment From Ben in Brisbane]
lol @ brisbanetimes.com.au for this line in their election update - "Obama will become the USA's first African-American when he is officially sworn in on January 20, 2009"
11:17
 [Comment From jeff m]
hi everyone -- i'm in washington heights, manhattan. the neighborhood is largely dominican and mostly families. it's ALIVE with obama support tonight. whistling and screaming out of fire escapes. car horns and drums. it's fantastic
11:17
 [Comment From Matt]
McCain has conceded.  He has called Obama.
11:17
 [Comment From Travis in Dallas]
I agree with Dion. The live blogging was great. I love Towleroad It is such a great site. Keep up the awesome job! Now I'm keeping my fingers crossed for prop 8
11:17
 [Comment From Robert P]
I guess it's back to Wasilla for Kitty Palin!!!
11:17
 [Comment From Brend]
Alameda County (Berkeley) here.  We had 2 polling stations run out of ballots which might delay results.  Good news is this county had a HUGE turnout of Prop 8 support in 40 degree weather.  I didn't see a single yes sign, as expected.
11:17
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
Great news corey Johnson.  musgrave the homophobe BYE BYE
11:17
 [Comment From Ventura79]
HE won CA too!!!
11:17
 [Comment From brian]
CBS called FL for OBAMA    WOW WOW WOW
11:17
 [Comment From Ian]
Prop 8 is seriously in the Yes right now
11:17
 [Comment From akaiwa]
florida is now obama!
11:17
 [Comment From Kerry]
Look at the faces in the crowds.  All colors and all races.  That is what this country needs to be about and I have faith his presidency will be about.
11:17
 [Comment From Gary in Dallas]
Links worked for me - server is probably overwhelmed
11:17
 [Comment From ColeWake]
Tribe in Nashville is rockin for Obama!
11:17
 [Comment From Mike]
Bet the stock market rockets tomorrow
11:17
 [Comment From Rich]
Any news on Prop 8 yet?
11:17
 [Comment From Wheezy]
Did McCain just concede?  There's a rumor going around Obama got the electoral votes he needed.
11:18
 [Comment From captultra]
There is dancing in the streets here in Minneapolis!
11:18
 [Comment From BigJLove]
So excited for a brand New day in AMERICA!!
11:18
 [Comment From dave]
Kerry, same here. I'm so happy!
11:18
 [Comment From Mike]
I think we're screwed on Prop 8... looking at LA results and with 10% of the vote counted it is 53% YES 47% NO... ugh
11:18
 [Comment From Guest]
/We are ecstatic here in Hawaii!!!!
11:18
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
Kerry  LOL  lwe already had a gay president = closeted Lincoln.  :-)  An openly gay president would be nice
11:18
 [Comment From gregg]
prop 8 57% yes  with 3%
11:18
 [Comment From shane]
Obama is our new President.  thank you america
11:18
 [Comment From Zabi]
Anyone know a reliable site for updates of prop 8 results?
11:18
 [Comment From Adrian in LA]
link to follow prop 8
11:18
 [Comment From marriedinca]
CNN exit polls around 48 for prop 8]
11:18
 [Comment From Brad Lamm]
Am so proud of President-elect Obama, his family and our country tonight!
11:18
 towleroad:  I hate that these referendums have to mix in this evening.   i'm   more ecstatic than i have ever been about a president, -- even more so for where this puts our country. it's a victory so many people havee worked hard for   over not just years but generations. My mother described civil rights as here life's work.   

   Yes on 8 most likely took my racially / socio-eonomically mixed block even here in liiberal Venice Beach. Talking with a few neighblors over the past few weeks highlighted very clear race and class split to an almost extreme degree.. Doing   outreach in nearby Westchester was eyeopening the other day. We met with open disdain, aggression, passive aggression, and mercifully a few women who "love the gays" and were happy to see us. Many of us who live in NY and LA --even working in media and entertainment-- have a false sense that we have oru rights and the respect of those around us and that these battles are over. it's very Naomi Wolff and Backlash. Getting our rights is wakign up the visceral hate

11:18
 Andy Towle:  McCain conceding.
11:18
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  hi brad lamm
11:19
 [Comment From Blake]
Thank God this all came together.  And, deep in the heart of Texas, Houston Harris county went for Obama!  Now just looking for Prop 8 numbers...
11:19
 [Comment From Erick]
OMG look at the setting for that speech...inspiring.
11:19
 [Comment From Ventura79]
we shall overcooooome !!!!! = )
11:19
 [Comment From Wheezy]
That's it. I can get some sleep now. I've had ulcers and insomnia for the last eight years.
11:19
 [Comment From Jim in CA]
Numbers are starting to triclke in for Prop 8.  First numbers Yes = 57 No =  42.  But that is with only 4 counties partially reporting
11:19
 [Comment From eugene c.]
everyone who voted for Barack give yourselves a pat on the back for the delivering the vote to Obama and delivering the vote for CHANGE!  now let's await what the rsults of prop 8 are.. crossing my fingers
11:19
 [Comment From Matt]
Florida for Obama
11:19
 [Comment From Ventura79]
now we gotta back him up like theres no tomorrow
11:19
 [Comment From Lee in SC]
Andy, thank you so much for your comprehensive coverage over the past 18 months.
11:19
 [Comment From Sean Mac]
when can we expect to hear on Prop 8?
11:19
 [Comment From Milkbone78758]
SF Gate.com: Prop 8 Yes   220,182 56.6%
11:20
 [Comment From Danny_MI]
seriously-  i was so excited for the last two hours i completely forgot about prop 8
11:20
 [Comment From Drew from Canada]
Congratulations you guys from your neighbours up north.  Now waiting with fingers crossed hoping Prop 8 gets shot down...
11:20
 [Comment From Curt in Austin]
Andy and Team, you have all done an amazing job tonight, please know your efforts are so gratefully appreciated!
11:20
 [Comment From Danny_MI]
nd now i'm petrified
11:20
 [Comment From Rich]
New Yorkers are dancing in the streets!
11:20
 [Comment From Erisedilla]
On the Republican stream on CNN.com, some guy just yelled "MCCAIN FOR PRESIDENT" and about 5 people cheered. Out of thousands. It's a new day.
11:20
 [Comment From what?]
any news on prop 8 yet?
11:21
 Andy Towle:  Reporting website is overwhelmed. Will get it ASAP.
11:21
 [Comment From Jeremy]
This is an Obama Nation!
11:21
 [Comment From Guest]
Proposition 8, Ban On Same-Sex Marriage: 57% - Yes; 43% - No
11:21
 [Comment From J from NY]
Looks like CA is doing the wrong thing?
11:21
 [Comment From DaveG-Bubbly!]
God Bless America!  Can't wait to see the speech!!!
11:21
 Andy Towle:  The real John McCain has apparently emerged.
11:21
 corey johnson:  This is a touching speech by McCain.


11:21
 [Comment From mike shackleford]
Pity that Susan Collins, one of the Bush enablers, has escaped & retains her Maine seat
11:21
 [Comment From Guest]
Now let's hope that all of our friends in California are safe and considered equal!!!
11:23
 [Comment From Wheezy]
Thank god it's finally over. The end of the Bush and Dole regimes.
11:23
 [Comment From Everette White]
We really won? Really? Already? No lawsuits? Really????
11:23
 [Comment From Ventura79]
OMG Rev. Jackson crying on CNN is breakin my heart!
11:23
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
Yepp wheezy.  no recounts/ no fighting.  Mccain conceded!!!!!
11:23
 [Comment From dave]
Hey World.... hang in there with us! We are able to grow and change. The dark days of Bush will soon be over!!!
11:24
 Andy Towle:  I just screencapped these results on Prop 8. Note the areas reporting.
11:24
Expand
11:24
 [Comment From Sean Mac]
My only prayer is that, if Prop 8 makes it, Obama will give momentum to a federal amendment overriding the state's discrimination
11:24
 [Comment From brian]
Concession time!   hallelujah!
11:24
 [Comment From 16161]
wild car honking and screaming from every balcony in nyc
11:24
 [Comment From Philip]
Andy, you're the best, thanks for the live blogs.  LOVE your site.  It's my #1 source for news.
11:24
 [Comment From DaveG-Bubbly!]
CONCESSION Begins!!!
11:24
 [Comment From dion in az]
only the conservative counties in CA are reporting. the metropolises aren't reporting yes
11:24
 [Comment From CD Matthew]
Initial report on Prop 8 in Cali don't look good....56% yes, 44% no.
11:24
 [Comment From Jay]
McCain conceding.
11:24
 [Comment From Brad Lamm]
Hi boys. Love and thanks from 17th ST NYC!
11:25
 [Comment From Guest]
Yeah... McCain is Ceceding.
11:25
 [Comment From Milkbone78758]
http://www.sfgate.com/election/races/2008/11/04/?tsp=1
11:25
 [Comment From Chip]
I was watching Eugene Robinson get choked up and I couldn't help but get a few tears in my eyes and my heart melted.
11:25
 [Comment From marriedinca]
WE ARE CITIZENS
11:25
 [Comment From Sean Mac]
Are those four counties very conservative?  Do we still have democratic areas not reporting on 8?
11:26
 [Comment From Raye Jaye]
fantastic! McCain can't even control his supporters
11:26
 [Comment From Ray]
Hooray! This feels just like the part in Lord of the Rings when all the evil Orcs were chased out of the shire....
11:26
 [Comment From Jakatax in Las Vegas]
It's sad to see that the McCain supporters are still so rude.  They won't even let him concede with honor.
11:26
 [Comment From Chris]
Finally.
11:26
 [Comment From Guest]
estoy muy....excited!
11:26
 corey johnson:  Democrats have picked up two seats in the New York State Senate.

It appears that the Democrats have taken it from the Republicans.

David Paterson, the Governor of New York and the State Assembly have been supportive of marriage equality.   This is a big development for the LGBT community.
11:26
 [Comment From Erick]
Is there a requirement for Prop 8 or just majority?
11:26
 [Comment From Paul in Oz]
Tears here in Melbourne Australia... well done you lot in copying our effort from November last year! What a fabulous remedy to the last 8 hideous years.
11:26
 [Comment From marriedinca]
THE WORLD ONLY TURNS FORWARD
11:26
 [Comment From Ventura79]
WOW! hands down on McCain's speach!  he's no sore looser!
11:26
 [Comment From Mark]
estoy muy....excited!!!!!!!
11:26
 corey johnson:  Just a majority for Prop 8.   50 + 1.

11:26
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
mccain concession speach = where was that mccain?  I am not going to say he is redeeming himself with this 1 great speech BUT I have to give him props.
11:26
 [Comment From Guest]
I'm ashamed of FL for voting yes on Prop 2-
11:26
 [Comment From gregg]
54% yes with 8% reporting
11:27
 [Comment From BVC]
Despite what might happen on the amendment front tonight, this is a day to celebrate. Things are looking up! (I still have my fingers crossed on Prop 8.)
11:27
 [Comment From DaveG-Bubbly!]
He's finally likable
11:27
 [Comment From Chris in Reno]
Andy - you are doing a great job on this great night!
11:27
 [Comment From Guest]
John McCain is a class act...and alwasy has been Excellent speech John.  God Bless you. and thank you for serving our country for so many years.
11:27
 [Comment From eartone]
SHAME ON FL for voting yes to Proposition 2
11:27
 [Comment From Sean Mac]
If I were a vindictive man, I'd move to Utah and push a referendum banning the LDS church as inconsistent with the proper views of evangelical christians.  But I'm not a vindictive hate-mongerer like that.
11:27
 [Comment From Jay]
If John spoke like this earlier in the campaign I think he would have gotten a lot more support.
11:27
 [Comment From Tim R.]
the most devisive candidte US history now wants us to come together?
11:27
 [Comment From chris bower]
You're right Corey...a great speech thus far!
11:27
 [Comment From sfinboston]
same sex marriage is still on in CT.
11:27
 [Comment From Ernie]
The McCain we can admire has returned. His concession speech is poignant and genuine. I hope he'll inspire some of his faithful to be as graceful.
11:27
 [Comment From Robert P]
McCain actually seems human for the 1st time during the entire election
11:27
 [Comment From marriedinca]
so far theyy
11:27
 [Comment From martin]
dear god look at the crazed people in the McCain crowd
11:27
 [Comment From Mark]
estoy muy excited!  I can't believe it!!!!!!!
11:27
 [Comment From vinnie]
as of 8:22pm - prop 8, yes 52.8%, no 47.2%!
11:27
 [Comment From Mike in LA]
Ugh, even LA county so far is Yes on 8 by 53-47% margin....but it's still very early considering polls just closed 20 minutes ago. I still have hope....
11:27
 [Comment From Jake]
Is is possible that Prop 8 can still fail?
11:27
 [Comment From Thorne]
At least his concession speech is graceful.
11:27
 [Comment From marriedinca]
so far only outlying counties
11:27
 [Comment From Jake]
Oh my - LA COUNTY said yes??
11:27
 [Comment From BVC]
Oh and a big thanks and shout out from Nashville, TN to Andy and the Towleroad gang tonight. Everyone has been amazing! You have contributed more to this election than you probably realize.
11:27
 [Comment From shylurkerguy]
CA prop 8 results at http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/ballot.measures/
11:27
 [Comment From Kev in LA]
how happy is everybody that you don't have to hear "my Friends" again.
11:27
 [Comment From Mike]
what worries me is the results fro LA county... I would have thought we would be doing better here, and we are LOSING....
11:28
 [Comment From Dan]
This Canadian say YAY for Obama  (Darn, if only Obama can be our prime minister...)
11:28
 [Comment From adam]
i'm going to cry if prop 8 passes
11:28
 [Comment From Critifur]
Fireworks going of in Fort Lauderdale.
11:28
 [Comment From Guest]
so now answer yet on prop 8?
11:28
 [Comment From marriedinca]
WE ARE CITIZENS
11:28
 [Comment From Erick]
Is there a requirement for Prop 8 or just majority?
11:28
 [Comment From Tim R.]
thanks, brad, from east 18th.
11:28
 [Comment From Ian]
Prop 8 now 52.8 vs 47.2 with 8.9 % reporting
11:28
 [Comment From Matt]
we never have to hear from Sarah Palin again. thank goodness!!
11:28
 [Comment From Kurt]
prop 8 to pass
11:28
 [Comment From Mike]
Still looking for the Loyola Law School Exit poll on Prop 8... that will give a good hint on how this is going
11:28
 [Comment From Guest]
ceceding?  learn to spell
11:28
 [Comment From Guest]
Please please don't pass, keep the momentum going
11:28
 [Comment From Mike]
I want to be moved, but I'm having trouble being swept away on a wave of euphoria.  I was married to my long time partner  on the 3rd of July.  We worked hard for No on 8, and it's been exhausting.  I've been called every name in the book, replaced my lawn sign 25 times, and watched those who call themselves Christian say and do the most dispicable things with glee in the name of God.  I'm happy the reign of Bush will soon be over, but after this fight, it is hard to be entirely enthuised that a candidate to said that he believes that marriage is between a man and a woman, thereby tossing us, yet again, under a bus.  It is said that this is the election wherein all men are finally created equal--but not all men, of course.
11:28
 [Comment From dave]
does palin realize she lost?
11:28
 [Comment From Kurt]
prop 8 will pass unfortuantely
11:28
 [Comment From Guest]
booohooo..now Sarah has to go back to Alaska....good riddance!
11:28
 Andy Towle:  Who IS this John McCain? I don't recognize him!
11:28
 [Comment From Zac in San Diego]
8: 4% reporting, 57% yes via CNN http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/individual/#CAI01
11:28
 [Comment From CB]
QVC offering a "2008 Kennedy half dollar coin features presidential nominee Barack Obama. Struck by the U.S. Mint, the legal tendered 44th President coin is layered in genuine 24K gold and comes displayed in an acrylic airtight coin capsule with a felt display box. " Let me say, it looks real nice!!!
11:28
 [Comment From Joseph]
Didn't they already ship the Palin's back to Alaska COD!!!
11:28
 [Comment From Eric in Berkeley]
Arizona passed its ban. It's disappointing that they weren't able to vote it down the second time around. I'm worried that if we defeat 8 tonight in California, it will be back over and over and over again until the day I die.
11:29
 [Comment From DaveG-Bubbly!]
Props to McCain for leaving honorably.  GOBAMA!!  Can't wait for the next speech!!!
11:29
 [Comment From Bobby]
this is a great speech
11:29
 [Comment From Lara from Toronto]
McCain's speech is rather impressive. Completely agree with you Jimmy.
11:29
 [Comment From Mark in NYC]
John McCain's speech reminds me of the man he once was.
11:29
 [Comment From marriedinca]
McCain practiced this speech eh
11:29
 corey johnson: 

Lupe Valdez wins re-election as Dallas County sheriff



Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez, who made history by becoming the first woman, first lesbian and first Latina to serve in that office, won a heated race for her re-election.

The Dallas Morning News declared her victorious this evening.

11:29
 [Comment From adam]
I'm happy and proud that an African American has won the presidency, but it kills me homosexuals are still treated as 2nd class citiznes
11:29
 [Comment From Jay]
According to SFgate only 3% have reported for Prop 8 so far.
11:29
 [Comment From Erisedilla]
If we'd seen this face of John McCain this entire election... he might not be making this speech just yet.
11:29
 [Comment From MoveEast!]
MOVE EAST YA'LL!!
11:29
 [Comment From Kurt]
prop 8 55%/45% in favor
11:29
 [Comment From chris bower]
While I'm delighted at my country...I'm very sad to see that my state of Florida is voting on Proposition 2!!!
11:29
 [Comment From Bobby]
such a classy concession speech
11:29
 [Comment From Claes Lilja]
props to McCain for that speech!
11:29
 [Comment From martin]
Hey Sarah !! time to return all those dresses!!
11:29
 [Comment From Michael]
I think the counties that are reporting in California are only the counties that have so far returned results - not all the precints in LA and SD have reported EVERY SINGLE vote in 30 minutes..
11:29
 [Comment From Hamp]
Apparantly people in California care more about chickens than they do about the gays.
11:29
 [Comment From guest]
the votes that have been counted on prop 8 are from republican counties.  wait for the more liberal counties to come in!!
11:29
 [Comment From crispy]
sorry from Arizona
11:29
 [Comment From dave]
oh my god check out the obama crowd outside the white house!
11:30
 [Comment From Ventura79]
Palin could NOT wipe that face of dissapointment off her face! thank god she wasnt given a chance to spew her venom on that mike!
11:30
 corey johnson:  The pictures of the crowd at Grant Park in Chicago is overwhelming.

AMAZING!
11:30
 [Comment From Joseph]
If prop 8 passes in CA, then the Mormon Church should start paying taxes.
11:30
 [Comment From Jeff Hall]
The crowd in front of the White House looks like they are ab out to storm the castle!!
11:30
 [Comment From Tom]
I thought McCain's concession speech sucked. Not gracious at all.
11:30
 [Comment From Haroon from Amsterdam]
A crushed, kind and respectful McCain. Very disturbing indeed. ;) I'm praying for you Californians!!!! Fingers crossed.
11:31
 [Comment From echovic]
what r exit poll results on prop 8?
11:31
 [Comment From Kurt]
CROSS YOUR FINGERS EVERYBODY
11:31
 [Comment From marriedinca]
exit polls say no on 8
11:31
 [Comment From Padraic]
What is this post-concession music? Sounds like "Pirates of the Caribbean" meets "The Imperial March."
11:31
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  check out the cheering crowds outside the white house
11:31
 [Comment From Mike]
Anyone else notice all of the Republican hotties in the crowd?  Very nice...
11:31
 [Comment From Guest]
im so scared about prop 8
11:31
 [Comment From mike shackleford]
McCain remains the arrogant shite he always was.
11:31
 [Comment From Mateusz]
Congrats from Canada! Here's hoping Prop 8 gets shot down.
11:31
 [Comment From Jake from Muskegon, MI]
Looks like many disturbing Proposals are passing in a few states
11:31
 [Comment From Stephen]
i thought mccain spoke well and thankfully the lipstick said nothing
11:31
 [Comment From brad]
that music is straight out of LOTR
11:31
 [Comment From Chris]
Wishful thinking for cali!
11:31
 [Comment From Jay]
prop 8 is still too close to call
11:32
 [Comment From Zac in San Diego]
Re: exit polls on 8: understand that people who are willing to be polled are primarily democrats, so we can't go by that.
11:33
 corey johnson:  Linda Ketner is down 56-44 against Henry Brown in South Carolina.

Linda was aiming to be the second openly lesbian member of Congress with Tammy Baldwin.

Democrats continue to pick up House seats across the entire country.
11:33
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  not sure this got through...crowds cheering outside the white house
11:33
 Andy Towle:  George W. Bush has already called the President Elect

11:33
 [Comment From MALOVE]
Massachusetts is hoping defeat for the bigotry of CA!!!!!!
11:33
 [Comment From Guest]
start of life failed in dakota
11:33
 [Comment From Brian]
My nephew is in Grant Park, says security is a sea of linebackers talking into their wrists, lol
11:33
 [Comment From Christian]
Exit polls says no on 8? Where did you get your infr?
11:33
 [Comment From Election party in Ontario]
Yeah for Obama!
11:33
 [Comment From branvanfan]
i'm sorry guys, i thought mccains speech was very moving and honorable
11:33
 [Comment From Rich]
Well, Disney is nice, but I never need to go to Florida again!
11:33
 [Comment From echovic]
i hope lipstick never gets over it and never speaks again
11:33
 [Comment From Joel]
notice how the reps were holding red flags abd the dems are holding usa flags?
11:33
 [Comment From Richard]
When do you think we should know about Prop 8 by? Midnight? 1am? or later?
11:34
 [Comment From brad]
palin had tears in her eyes
11:34
 [Comment From Paul in PHX]
Nice speach from McSame...I'll give him that, but the real Republicans are those who were jeering and booing in the crowd. That's the kind of classy crowd you get here in Arizona. And that's the Republican base.
11:34
 [Comment From Jay]
based on exit poll data so far, prop 8 might lose, generally exit polls skew in the same direction.  But who knows, I could be wrong.
11:34
 [Comment From Matt]
i feared we'd win the white house but lose the right to marry in CA.  let's hope it is too early to tell
11:34
 Andy Towle:  Here's a new Prop 8 update.
11:34
Expand
11:34
 [Comment From Curt in Austin]
Come on Cali, please pull through and send a message to the rest of the country!
11:34
 [Comment From Guest]
55 to 45 says cnn,,, 6%
11:34
 [Comment From br!on]
Hope begins anew!
11:34
 [Comment From natalie]
as a lesbian from florida, i've very disapointed in my state for their vote for amendment 2. i can't wait to get out of this state.
11:34
 [Comment From echovic]
sorry, its just hitting me - ive been so down on US for so long - PRESIDENT OBAMA!!! PRESIDENT OBAMA!!! OUR PRESIDENT!!!
11:34
 [Comment From peter pony]
any word on prop 8 results?
11:34
 [Comment From dave]
Good thing Bush is at Camp David. He would probably call out the guard. Cheney is probably in his undisclosed bunker waiting for his donor heart.
11:34
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
are they cheering outside the white house?  what i saw looked like people were ready to go in and drag bush out.  LOL  :-)
11:35
 [Comment From Robert P]
You gotta love Oprah in the audience with Stedman!!
11:35
 [Comment From Joseph]
McCains speach was not gracious, listen closely to his words.
11:35
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
exit polls tonight have all been right!!!  so hope for prop 8 going down based off of exit polls
11:35
 corey johnson:  Networks are calling Florida for Obama.

And Arizona for McCain.
11:36
 [Comment From Mario]
If Yes on Prop 8 keeps going like this, I might have to start playing Didn't we almost have it all by Whitney Houston.
11:36
 [Comment From brad]
president obama
11:36
 [Comment From adam]
LA hasn't reported in yet right?
11:36
 [Comment From E, KSA]
Congrats from Saudi Arabia, and sorry about the marriage amendments.
11:36
 [Comment From gregg]
la county and sata barbara voted yes on 8....its over
11:36
 [Comment From Guest]
Do we know where the initial pro 8 return are coming from?
11:36
 [Comment From Jake from Muskegon, MI]
Stedman? But where's GAYLE???
11:36
 [Comment From JerzeeMike]
McCain's speech was thoughtful and honorable, I thought. He was extremely gracious in his concession.
11:36
 [Comment From cambosoup]
i'm looking at the latimes for the prop 8 results...it's really depressing me.
11:36
 [Comment From Lara from Toronto]
Stedman!!! Did you see stedman and oprah?!
11:36
 [Comment From Claes Lilja]
Prop 8 prospects are looking glum. 56%-44% with 11% reporting
11:36
 [Comment From peter pony]
being in phoenix right now, i just want to go say hello to sarah palin and ask if i can borrow her snowmobile riding hubby for a couple hours
11:36
 [Comment From Ventura79]
OMG WHAT IS FOX NEWS GONNA DO NOW!!!!! suck on that!!! LOL !
11:36
 [Comment From Gianpiero]
Councilman John Duran of West Hollywood has cautioned that the early results on 8 will be disappointing, because the exurban and rural counties (which are heavily pro-8) will come in first.
11:36
 [Comment From AJ]
hey kids, i'm in japan at the moment, but from what everyone's sayin' it looks like prop 8 is still undecided
11:36
 [Comment From AJ]
any eta?
11:37
 [Comment From Claes Lilja]
LA so far is voting yes :(
11:37
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
gregg  NOT  those are only partial reports from those counties
11:37
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  nevadaobama
11:37
 corey johnson:  Hawaii has gone to Obama -- where his grandmother Madelyn Dunham voted absentee for him before she passed away.

Hawaii is where Obama grew up and it has 4 electoral votes.
11:38
 Andy Towle:  Does anyone else think Diane Sawyer is starting to look like Madonna?
11:38
 [Comment From adam]
where are you guys getting your prop 8 coverage?
11:38
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
even the reported counties are NOT 100% reported from said counties
11:38
 [Comment From JerzeeMike]
I hope Prop 8 goes down for the count now. What's the latest word?
11:38
 [Comment From Jay]
los angeles county has not voted yet.
11:38
 [Comment From marriedinca]
prop 8?
11:39
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
suck it up boys and sniff your smelling salts.  Now is not the time to faint
11:39
 [Comment From Paul in PHX]
Peter pony, I agree the first dude is a bit dude=a=licous. Lets do coffee at the Biltmore in the morning and see if he will give us riding lessons
11:40
 corey johnson:  It's too early to call numbers in California.

San Francisco and Los Angeles haven't reported...the Inland Empire has...

So that's good for us.   It will be very close.
11:40
 Andy Towle:  New Prop 8 Update - 11% reporting - 55% yes, 44% no - make sure to note areas.
11:40
Expand
11:40
 [Comment From Claes Lilja]
Prop 8 results:
11:40
 [Comment From Joseph]
@ Ventura79, FOX will start tearing at Oboma just about NOW.  That's what they'll do for the next 8-years.  Just like they did with Clinton only I hope this one can keep his zipper up.
11:40
 [Comment From Kameron G.]
It's an anti-gay marriage.
11:40
 [Comment From Smith]
Where's the prop 8 coverage from?
11:41
 [Comment From peterparker]
los angeles county polls closed 38 minutes ago...i can't imagine that the results are in.
11:41
 [Comment From dg]
Orange County had really low voter turnout. Maybe that will help the NO vote on Prop 8
11:41
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  hillary just released a generic statement.   she is no mcCain in htis one
11:41
 [Comment From peter pony]
when do we get an obama speech??
11:41
 [Comment From captultra]
Personally I can't wait to see which way Alaska goes.  It would be great if it went to Obama! lol
11:41
 [Comment From Tom]
We elected Obama, we can defeat 8.
11:41
 [Comment From Rich]
LOL Andy - I don't think I'd want to see Sawyer in a cone bra!  Actually, I at this point I wouldn't want to see Madonna in a cone bra, either!
11:41
 [Comment From Guest]
lol
11:41
 [Comment From Guest]
yes!! obama!!
11:41
 [Comment From Curt in Austin]
OK Andy, that made me laugh out loud, despite my tears for CA
11:42
 [Comment From Ventura79]
geez, McCain couldnt even get 200 electoral votes!!!! LANDSLIDE!!!!!
11:42
 [Comment From peter pony]
paul in phx,
11:42
 [Comment From Jake from Muskegon, MI]
So, we could still get lucky on 8...maybe?
11:42
 [Comment From mrp]
@Andy - Diane Sawyer has some seriously magical false eyelashes this evening
11:42
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
MSNBC reporting Hillary Clinton comment.  ;-)  Thank the Clintons for refining Obama during the primaries.  Michele has mentioned often that Hillary via the long primary improved Obama's debating skills and Axelrod said Hillary refined Obama's ground game
11:42
 [Comment From Craig]
From Newport Beach CA, all I can say is don't get too worried if we lose 8, the gains we will make from this new administration will be great, ENDA and hate crimes bills are sure to pass now and maybe even an end to "don't ask...". Remember, not being able to use the word "marriage" does not mean we still can't have weddings, and many fine churches will be happy to host them. If 8 passes, lets adopt the new word "Merriage," a derivative of the word "merry," (as in Merry Christmas). It may even piss them off a little.
11:42
 [Comment From peter pony]
yes lets do that...he looks like a hunky dweeb...i like that haha
11:42
 [Comment From Peter]
with los angeles and san fran reporting, will that reverse the 10% trend?
11:42
 [Comment From Guest]
Let's go Prop 8!!!
11:42
 [Comment From Sean Mac]
I'm confused - black women are the white male republican voters who overwhelmingly voted yes on Prop 8?
11:42
 [Comment From Everette White]
Any news on the other anti-gay marriage acts?
11:42
 [Comment From Jack]
speaking at nidnight
11:43
 [Comment From Mike]
this is so embarrassing for me to see LA County going for Prop 8 - ugh...
11:43
 [Comment From David]
According to CNN.com Yes on 8 is leading with 54%
11:43
 [Comment From Forrest]
NC sending out love and good wishes on beating ht8. We still go blue...and we dumped dole!
11:43
 [Comment From Guest]
obama better not fuck up because every single move he makes will be over srcutinized
11:43
We have an histori president and a Democratic landslide. We look to be losing the referendums. How happy are you?
Depressed
( 5% )
Sad
( 10% )
numb
( 11% )
Good mood
( 20% )
Happy
( 24% )
Ecstatic
( 30% )
11:44
 [Comment From Adrian in LA]
LA times link to follow prop 8: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-2008election-california-results,0,1293859.htmlstory
11:44
 [Comment From Sean Mac]
My main concern about Prop 8 is the inextricable secular use of the term
11:44
 [Comment From Tom]
Florida and Arizona passed anti-gay marriage props
11:44
 [Comment From echovic]
oh god -
11:44
 [Comment From Jay]
i think we lost prop 2 in FL and prop 102 in AZ
11:44
 [Comment From Peter]
Black women no likes gays.... :(
11:44
 [Comment From Michael]
SO HAPPY
11:44
 [Comment From Michael]
You guys - only 11% of the precints in California have reported results.. it's still crazy early to judge prop 8.. anything could change..
11:44
 [Comment From David]
2 in Florida passed...grrrr
11:44
 [Comment From Yeek]
So far every anti-gay proposition is winning.  See: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/ballot.measures/
11:44
 [Comment From Sean Mac]
My concern is the inextricable secular use of the term "Marriage" in legal contracts.  That's the concern.  They *CAN'T* make anything "separate but equal" with marriage at this point.  We NEED Prop 8 and other amendments like it to fail.
11:44
 corey johnson:  MARILYN MUSGRAVE -- anti-gay hater numero UNO in the House of Representatives has LOST to Betsey Markey in Colorado.

YES WE CAN!
11:45
 [Comment From Jeff]
The CNN broadcast just said they are going to start reporting on prop 8 numbers, probably after President - Elect Obama's acceptance speech.  Has a nice ring to it doesn't it!!!
11:45
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  Woo Hoo on Musgrave going down. LANDSLIDE
11:45
 [Comment From Guest]
i dont understand how you can legally pass prop 8 without recinding the equal protection clause of the CA constitution
11:45
 [Comment From Matt]
How did MAs ballot measures turn out?
11:45
 [Comment From Ian]
Oprah had the crazy eyelashes too- them old ladies dig the falsies
11:46
 [Comment From Sean Mac]
It's just dumbfounding we can't get people to understand there are "rights" and there are "rites".  I'm willing to forego the latter for your religious principle, but I'm damn sure not going without the former.
11:46
 [Comment From Tim]
*much love for Anderson Cooper*
11:46
 [Comment From Jay]
With Obama likely shaking up the supreme court and possibly getting a supermajority, I think that if they all are passed.  We can still say they violate the federal constitution.
11:48
 [Comment From Thomas McGlinchey]
I am 18 years old, and this was my first time voting for president of the United States. I felt so powerful casting my vote. Today was a good day! (Besides the horrible haircut I got today...I look like freaking Rachel Maddow)
11:48
 [Comment From Forrest]
IF 8 passes can they sue to block it going into effect pending a lawsuit?
11:48
 Andy Towle:  New Prop 8 Update map...
11:48
Expand
11:48
 [Comment From sfinboston]
MA ballot, No on 1, Yes on 2 & 3
11:48
 [Comment From Sean Mac]
guest comment regarding "equal protection clause" - that's one ground for striking the amendment, even if it passes referendum.  correct?
11:48
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
Does anyone have the unofficial numbers on AZ102? All the sites are clogged that I can't find anything other than hate messages within AZ
11:49
 [Comment From Guest]
What happened on Ct proposition 1?
11:49
 [Comment From Peter]
The thing is, even if prop 8 is approved at this time. Sometimes constitutional amendments take time to overturn. Take a look at this election win. Minorities will be the majority in time, and as time goes on, it will become ever more embarrasing to hold on backwards logic against gay marriage. Search on the internet for "Andrew Coyne" and he has one of the strongest arguments in favour of gay marriage, and he is an avowed conservative. At the end of the day, in time, this will become a non-issue. I'm writing this from Canada, and like spain, we've had NATIONAL gay marriage for over a year now, and there has been no "social decay" or any of the ridiculous negative effects the anti-gay marriage people have brought up. Look ahead 10 years. It may look depressing now if prop 8 is defeated, but it will be overturned...
11:49
 [Comment From Sean Mac]
I agree, Jay.  It's my one hope.  When would 8 take effect if passed?
11:49
 [Comment From sfinboston]
1 was for getting rid of income tax, 2. was decriminalizing pot for less than an once 3, would ban dog racing.
11:49
 [Comment From brian]
AC on CNN called Prop 8 "marriage equality" -- yes, yes, yes and go on girl
11:49
 [Comment From Roy]
with 6% reporting here in CA, I am saddened that the Yes on 8 people are winning. But let's hope that's without the the good parts of CA who have brains....
11:49
 [Comment From Chris]
whens Obama's speech?
11:49
 [Comment From Paul in PHX]
We now must support Obama...let it be known he is America's choice. We need to use the word MANDATE. This will stop the right wing media from shredding him to pieces with their "were better than you attitudes" Obama needs our support now more than ever. Lets not allow them screw over our guy.
11:49
 [Comment From Ventura79]
I want a hollogram of Anderson Cooper!!!!
11:49
 [Comment From Matt]
Do we think that it's gonna go through in california
11:49
 [Comment From Lara from Toronto]
Oh, oh, oh, If I believed in God I'd be praying Prop 8 fails...I guess all one can do is wait...
11:49
 [Comment From Mike]
There is  something really wrong in terms of the voting trend here in CA.  We have a measure that is losing concerning aborition notification, which you just know the social conservatives would want, and then gay marriage is being walloped.
11:49
 [Comment From Tim R.]
thomas 18 - good work. proud of you.
11:49
 [Comment From Jay]
LA county results are still not up.
11:50
 [Comment From echovic]
is 8 lost for all practical purposes? or is there hope?
11:50
 [Comment From Richard]
CT Prop 1 was voted down -- awesome
11:50
 [Comment From peter pony]
102 in arizona passed
11:50
 [Comment From Mike in LA]
Only 10% of LA county and 7.4% of Marin county have reported, so expect big gains for NO ON 8 later on
11:50
 [Comment From Peter]
hey guys, just COME TO CANADA AND GET MARRIED ALL YOU WANT!!!! We love gays :)
11:50
 [Comment From gregg]
THE MAPS YOU ARE POSTING are a little misleading...they imply the county has reported but small % of precincts are reporting....the LATIMES maps are very good and load fast
11:50
 [Comment From Al]
if Prop 8 passes...god forbid...are there other options?
11:50
 [Comment From Jay]
Obama is speaking at midnight.
11:50
 [Comment From Scott]
What an amazing event!!!
11:50
 [Comment From IAN]
Congrats from Montreal on your new president guys.  If prop 8 passes, you're always welcome to come up here n get hitched...
11:51
 [Comment From Michael]
prop 8 cannot be decided yet noone should worry right now. san fran hasn't been reported
11:51
 [Comment From Jay]
I don't think God helps the vote either way.
11:51
 corey johnson:  Pro-LGBT Senator Mary Landrieu from Louisiana has beat back a Republican challenge and was re-elected to her seat.

She was the only Democrat that was endanger in the Senate.

GREAT NEWS!
11:52
 [Comment From Brandon H]
Is prop 8 still up in the air?
11:52
 Andy Towle:  Prop 8 is still up in the air. Only 10% of L.A. County has reported.
11:52
 [Comment From JAYDUB]
FL is 88% Yes on Gay Marriage Ban - 62% to 38%.   WOW!   Where have all the gay folks gone?   AZ was much closer, as is CA right now.  AK was even close with gay couples adopting.
11:52
 [Comment From kevwyn]
ilove canada!
11:52
 [Comment From Mario]
We shouldn't have to leave the state we've called home to get married
11:52
 [Comment From Brandon H]
oh ok
11:52
 [Comment From Thomas]
if mccain won i would have gone up there!
11:53
 corey johnson:  Sen. Hillary Clinton releases this statement:

"Tonight, we are celebrating an historic victory for the American people. This was a long and hard fought campaign but the result was well worth the wait. Together, under the leadership of President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, and a Democratic Congress, we will chart a better course to build a new economy and rebuild our leadership in the world. And I look forward to doing all that I can to support President Obama and Vice President Biden in the difficult work that lies ahead. For too long, middle class families in this country have felt invisible, struggling alone as wages stagnate, jobs disappear, and the costs of daily life climb upward. In quiet, solitary acts of citizenship, American voters gave voice to their hopes and their values, voted for change, and refused to be invisible any longer."
11:53
 [Comment From Charlie]
I am loving this website - it updates every minute or so... http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/ballot.measures/
11:53
 [Comment From Yeek]
We've lost prop 8.  Marriage rights in California will only be won one funeral at a time now, as one generation replaces another.
11:53
 [Comment From dion in az]
8 is not lost! not all precincts are reporting! wait it out. It will get better!
11:53
 [Comment From brad]
hey ian, montreal - who are you?  :)  i'm in montreal.
11:53
 [Comment From Peter]
good NEWS indeed about Senator Mary Landrieu !! woohoo!
11:53
 [Comment From Guest]
I agree, the Prop 8 results you're posting are misleading.  The few precincts that have reported in are only PARTIAL reports.  Also...Alameda, San Mateo and LA haven't begun reporting at all.
11:53
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
@ peter pony, i know they'r esaying it passed, but i was wondering what the counts were & precincts reporting.  AZ102 is not definite. it's 74% reporting. From what I heard earlier today, this isn't counting mail-ins, which were mainly democrat/liberal. And to "call" CA8 with ~10% in is a bit premature...
11:53
 [Comment From Guest]
Prop 8 is at 54 - 45. It doesn't look good, unfortuantely.
11:53
 [Comment From peter pony]
soledad obrian is like dry toast....blah
11:54
 Andy Towle:  Here are the County by County returns in California.
11:54
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
it's all still up in the air as long as there are still votes to be counted. exit polls don't define an election (recent elections included as well as this one)
11:55
 [Comment From Matt]
i wish the media would stop making so much out of Obama being black and realize that he was elected because he was the best person for the job first and foremost.  at least for many of us.
11:55
 [Comment From kevwyn]
with the obama white house we can hope for progressive change but like everything it will take some time.
11:55
 [Comment From Scott]
Thanks Towleroad for all your efforts toward spreading the truth
11:55
 [Comment From Sean M]
What were Floridians thinking.  The amendment passed!!!
11:55
 [Comment From Cajiva]
I'm so happy for Mary Landrieu My homegirl.
11:55
 [Comment From Markus]
Where is Prop 8 at now?
11:55
 [Comment From Curt in Austin]
Despite our throw away votes, Travis County Texas came out 70% for Obama!!!
11:55
 [Comment From Markus]
fuck
11:55
 [Comment From cambosoup]
no. la reported. it doesn't look good there either.
11:55
 [Comment From Erick]
Again...look at the setting for that speech, the crowds. He better give one for the books.
11:55
 [Comment From Guest]
Just looked, polls in LA haven't closed yet... alot of folks are in line still...
11:55
 [Comment From Peter]
Lets hope prop 8 votes turn AROUND, its > 10% so far....     CONGRATS TO OBAMA & LANDRIEU!!!!!
11:55
 [Comment From Tudor]
If you're in San Francisco, there is a big party happening in the Castro
11:55
 [Comment From Guest]
results so far must be absentee votes
11:55
 [Comment From Brandon H]
That white guy next to soledad must be flour then
11:55
 [Comment From Peter]
WE ARE WITHIN 2 MINUTES OF OBAMA TALKING IN HYDE PARK!!!
11:55
 [Comment From peter pony]
here comes the obama speech....
11:56
 Andy Towle:  Obama speaking momentarily....
11:56
 [Comment From Guest]
10% of the electorate is in and the exit polls show it failing... have some hope.
11:56
 [Comment From echovic]
that's right matt - this whole black thing is icky
11:56
 [Comment From Guest]
what's prop 8 doing?
11:56
 [Comment From Tom]
If Prop 8 passes the Mormons must start paying taxes
11:56
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  Tyranny of the majority What a waste of 70 million bucks...
11:56
 [Comment From Brandon H]
Fresno Bee says prop 8 is ahead at 56 percent
11:56
 [Comment From Jay]
10% of LA reported.
11:56
 [Comment From Everette White]
My other half and I were planning on moving to CA if this election went sour. We don't care if there is a good DJ for the wedding. We just want to protect our property and visit each other in the hospital, etc. The ceremony itself isn't even on the list.
11:56
 [Comment From Eric in Berkeley]
I'm very worried about Prop 8. I've been out in the field in some Bay Area counties. I've seen what it is like. After being told to go to hell and called a jerk, faggot, and much worse, I'm very nervous.
11:56
 [Comment From Jason]
prop 8 is winning?
11:57
 Andy Towle:  http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-2008election-california-results,0,1293859.htmlstory?view=8&tab=0&fnum=0
11:57
 corey johnson:  HERE COMES OBAMA!!!
11:58
 corey johnson:  Sasha and Malia look beautiful.   I can't wait to see them playing on the East Lawn of the White House.
11:58
 [Comment From lezhow]
Matt @ 11.55 couldn't agree with you more - best person, colour has nothing to do with it
11:58
 [Comment From Peter]
Yes, thanks Andy for all your nonstop advocation towards all things that lead to a fairer and better life for all LGBT people!! Change comes from every voice being heard, and yours is an important one!
11:58
 [Comment From mike shackleford]
Whats the scoop in Michelle Bachman's race?
11:58
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  Folks , we're nowhere near done   this evening but i want to thank you all. So far we've had 7100 visits to this live blog.


I think we'll do it again
11:59
 corey johnson:  Bachmann is leading by a few percent points but there's only 50 percent reporting.
11:59
 [Comment From Yeek]
Yes, but prop 8 isn't even close in those that have reported.  10 point difference....  I think we're done.
11:59
 [Comment From Ron]
we are keeping our fingers crossed up here in Vancouver, Canada that Prop 8 fails!!
11:59
 [Comment From Mike]
LA is still open...
11:59
 [Comment From JAYDUB]
It's still early in CA.  Photobucket
11:59
 [Comment From Tudor]
Yes  1,688,320 54.0% No  1,438,032 46.0%
11:59
 [Comment From Tudor]
on prop 8...10% reporting
11:59
 [Comment From Giovanni]
Does anyone know the status of Prop 8?
12:00
 [Comment From Brend]
WTF is Michelle wearing
12:00
 [Comment From Ryan]
Woot woot!
12:00
 [Comment From Danny]
Come up to Nova Scotia to get hitched boys... very nice in late July, August....
12:00
 [Comment From Tyler]
CNN has it now at 54%... it keeps going down.
12:00
 [Comment From Brandon H]
I grew up in Brentwood, CA and Fresno, CA, they are like different countries compared to SF and LA, namely, no fags allowed.
12:00
 [Comment From Justin from Pasadena, CA]
Thank you Andy.  I've had you streaming for hours now.
12:00
 [Comment From Myackie]
Travis County....a blue dot in a red sea
12:00
 [Comment From Jay]
i wouldn't call it yet.  San Francisco and only 90% of LA county have not been reported.
12:00
 [Comment From Tyler]
and 0% of San Fran is reporting.
12:01
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
AZ102 is winning, but not by as much as AZ202 (hiring illegal immigrants). CA still only has 10% in. Looks like it's missing many of the large counties.
12:01
 [Comment From Sean]
Wow! Obama mentioned gays & straights!
12:01
 [Comment From Joel]
He's talking!
12:01
 [Comment From Tim R.]
i think M's dress was selected by very angry gay friend
12:01
 [Comment From Scott W]
What a joyous moment!
12:01
 [Comment From Rich]
Um. What is Michelle wearing?  Someone get them some fashion help!
12:01
 [Comment From Peter]
Eric in Berkeley, just know that we all support you. You can rest confident knowing that those people that call you that are insignificant cretins, who in time will become even smaller and less significant voices. Think about every major urban area, and you will know that people will support you, think about entire states like Massachussets, countries like Canada, Spain and many others....equality and fairness are becoming the norm rather than the exception.....we all support you.
12:01
 corey johnson:  Networks have called Nevada for Obama.

It's a landslide!
12:01
 [Comment From Matt]
it's about time people realize that.  thanks lezhow
12:01
 [Comment From Aerowired]
it makes me sick when i think of all the millions that the f-ing yes on 8 and mormons spent on prop 8.  to think of how much that would help charity and causes that really need a financial boost.  instead, they choose to write in hate
12:01
 [Comment From Aerowired]
wow what a universal difference between the mccain rally and the obama one!
12:01
 [Comment From Erick]
What is Michelle wearing? Oh the humanity.
12:01
 [Comment From PrimeLens]
My mom, dad, sisters and brother in law all voted no on 8.  I'm proud of my family!
12:01
 [Comment From Brian]
LOL - I asked the same thing about Michele's outfit!
12:01
 [Comment From captultra]
Bachman is leading 48% to 42%
12:01
 [Comment From Curt in Austin]
Obama just said gay!
12:02
 [Comment From Jose]
So happy for Obama... but what is Michelle wearing???? lol
12:02
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
Pinal & Pima counties in AZ (pretty big) are not in yet.
12:02
 [Comment From dave]
Thanks for doing this tonight.
12:02
 [Comment From Peter]
Davie St. Vancouver REPRESENT!!!!!!
12:02
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
even though AZ102 & CA8 are currently reported as yes votes, seeing a black democrat as president-elect is bringing tears to my eyes
12:02
 [Comment From Mike]
LA County has only 10% of polls
12:02
 [Comment From Guest]
Corey - Bachmann's region is notoriously conservative. WIth 40% and a split of 5k votes, it's unlikely she will lose. We can hope that Franken defeats Coleman to at least have one MN ass out of congress.
12:02
 [Comment From Mike]
MAJORITY OF VOTES CAST Registration 4,111,642 Precincts Reporting 489 Total Precincts 4,883 % Precincts Reporting 10
12:02
 [Comment From Guest]
he said the "G" word
12:02
 [Comment From Jack]
Obama said the g word
12:02
 [Comment From Charlie]
OMG! He acknowledged the gays in his speech - love him!
12:02
 [Comment From Markus]
my President!
12:02
 [Comment From Erisedilla]
"Gay Straight..." - we got a shoutout from Mr. Obama
12:02
 [Comment From marty]
he just said gay and strait wow
12:02
 [Comment From Joel]
Wait. hasn't he used that line before?
12:02
 [Comment From Brian]
Elisabeth Dole was ousted too!
12:02
 [Comment From Curt in Austin]
But sadly yes, what the eff is Michelle wearing, looks like a Black Widow!
12:02
 [Comment From pocket]
fashion queens... get over it...
12:02
 [Comment From zevin]
I think the yes no to prop 8 was confusing.  I think it could have been worded better.
12:02
 [Comment From Charlie]
Remember Michelle is a bargain shopper
12:02
 [Comment From Rick]
Interesting to see crowd reaction when Obama mentions McCain vs. McCain mentioning Obama in a positive light.
12:02
 [Comment From Adrian in LA]
The president mentioning gays brought tears to my eyes
12:02
 [Comment From Casey]
I'm really worried about 8
12:02
 [Comment From Eric in Berkeley]
Peter, thanks. I hope all goes well
12:02
 [Comment From adam]
wow...no booing from the obama crowd when he mentions mccain
12:02
 [Comment From adam]
hmmm
12:03
 Andy Towle:  Change has come to America!!!!!!
12:03
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  fist bump please
12:03
 [Comment From Tuck]
I think she picked a great dress. It really pops on TV.
12:03
 [Comment From PrimeLens]
Kudos Michelle - she wears ombre well
12:03
 [Comment From brad]
hrd t chr fr pln
12:03
 [Comment From BrettD]
On a lighter note: Michele's outfit is just horrible.  She's usually so chic, but what was she thinking?
12:03
 [Comment From dave]
adam.. tells you a lot about the supporters
12:03
 [Comment From Tim R.]
thanks, andy.signing off hjere. please do this again.
12:04
 [Comment From Joel]
and the world! don't forget us!
12:04
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
Change, my friends
12:04
 [Comment From Wyatt]
Crossing my fingers for 8 in Canada!
12:04
 [Comment From Brian]
and we get an accomplished, classy First Lady
12:04
 [Comment From Robert Gant]
Remember this historical night everyone.  Remember where you were, who you were with and recognize this as a wonderful new beginning in our future.
12:04
 [Comment From Guest]
I am once again proud to be an american
12:04
 [Comment From zevin]
no to 8
12:04
 [Comment From Brian]
we finally get a classy, accomplished First Lady
12:04
 [Comment From JerzeeMike]
No booing from Obama supporters when McCain was mentioned shows the difference between the constituencies.
12:04
 [Comment From dkal]
pro 8
12:05
 [Comment From Guest]
I am now proud too!
12:05
 [Comment From Peter]
I'm just glad the secret service is doing their good work. No doubt there is always the minority of haters and agitators out there, for whom the words hope and change inspire fear and hatred. Sad to say, but some cannot ever but feel threatened by change.
12:05
 [Comment From Paul]
My respect for America has been restored.  Seize the day!
12:05
 [Comment From concernecanadian]
do we know what happened with Prop 8 in CA?
12:05
 [Comment From Paul]
I am still bummed that the numbers are pointing to Prop 8 passing
12:05
 [Comment From Cajiva]
I'm so happy now but Hillary is also classy and accomplished.  I also love Michelle
12:05
 [Comment From Casey]
I think we passed 8 = (
12:05
 [Comment From Tuck]
It's sorta funny hearing Obama say strategist.
12:05
 [Comment From dkal]
prop 8 *********yes=54%    n0=46
12:05
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
0% of San Fran has results in on 8
12:06
 [Comment From Chris]
CNN is reporting that Dems have enough seats to control the house... that makes a democratic majority in both the house and senate!
12:07
 [Comment From z]
I'm gona get me some malt liquor tonight. Good times bro, good times.
12:07
 [Comment From Guest]
prop 8 in CA will pass
12:07
 [Comment From Guest]
When will we know about prop 8 in CA? what time does the offical news come out?
12:07
 [Comment From adam]
only 10% on LA county
12:07
 [Comment From adam]
how long is this going to last?
12:07
 [Comment From Brian]
Yes, Hillary is, I was referring to Laura
12:07
 [Comment From Matt]
this is why Obama won.  he made the election about the issues and McCain made it about McCain.
12:07
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
0% of San Mateo County, but 59% for No
12:07
 [Comment From Curt in Austin]
I'm so loving this man as leader of the free world
12:07
 [Comment From AJ]
any links to a live feed of obama's speech? don't have flash so can't watch it. tried google, no dice
12:07
 [Comment From dkal]
just 9% reporting on 8
12:07
 [Comment From Guest]
CNN
12:08
 [Comment From Peter]
I have to say how impressed I was by McCain however. What an impressive speech. Obama deserved to win, McCain was erratic, etc, but he is also an honourable man.
12:08
 [Comment From Tyler]
Nothing from SF yet... yes!!!! This is good!!!
12:08
 [Comment From Steven]
What time will we find out about prop 8 in CA?????
12:08
 [Comment From Paul]
If 8 passes I hope that we challenge it
12:08
 [Comment From Brian]
Bush has destroyed the Republican party.
12:08
 [Comment From z]
and smoke a blunt
12:08
 [Comment From echovic]
this man is a god
12:08
 [Comment From Thomas McGlinchey]
Like Kathy Griffin says, Oprah just picks our presidents now
12:08
 [Comment From MatthewinHwood]
Keep your eye out for 60 in the Senate for filibuster proof senate and booting Lieberman out of the caucus
12:08
 [Comment From chris bower]
WE WILL GET THERE!!!!!   YES WE CAN!!!!!
12:09
 [Comment From Curt in Austin]
Mom just called from San Diego, the hate robocalls are STILL coming thru!
12:09
 [Comment From Allan]
Shout out to the no on 8 volunteers who were standing at the polls, i hope it's too soon to tell...
12:09
 [Comment From jocko]
are we sure prop 8 has passed from the exit interviews?? where is the source?
12:09
 [Comment From brettindc]
cnn exit polls on prop 8 point to it not passing.
12:09
 [Comment From PrimeLens]
We are witnessing our generation's "I Have A Dream" speech
12:09
 [Comment From :(]
We're screwed, you guys!
12:09
 [Comment From Casey]
It for sure passed, look at the maps
12:09
 [Comment From Patrick]
If 8 passes, we willl finally get the State supreme court to weigh in on the issue. I think it's the only way they would tackle this issue.  So even though 8 may pass, I still have hope for our cause.
12:09
 [Comment From Jeff]
Alot of the CA counties numbers are still not being reported, so it looks like to prop 8 answer is still a ways out
12:09
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
early and absentee votes (mostly dem) have not been counted on prop 8
12:11
 [Comment From jocko]
what is the current tally on prop 8?
12:11
 [Comment From David]
Very true, Patrick
12:11
 [Comment From Craig]
It is fantastic to see people exercising their democratic right and causing change when they need it.   As I watch the BBC live coverage here in UK, the excitement and high running feelings remind me of the celebration and jubilation in 1997 when we elected Tony Blair to remove the Conservatives from power - I can only hope that the similarity ends there (seeing as how Tony Blair pretty much turned out to be a Conservative in disguise).  Congratulations America!
12:11
 [Comment From greg]
absentee votes were counted by 6pm today
12:11
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
cnn has CA-8 as not called
12:11
 [Comment From :(]
where did you hear that?
12:11
 [Comment From :(]
where did you hear that?
12:11
 [Comment From Guest]
Thanks, towleroad--the best gay blog, or any blog, for what you do. I've been on here since you began today, and am so happy that I was. Keep up the good work.
12:11
 [Comment From Steven]
Jeff and Jimmyboyo, thanks...any idea when a final word will be given about prop 8?  tonight or will it be a few days??
12:11
 [Comment From Peter]
Mr. Obama is probably one of the most impressive president's elect, I have ever, ever witnessed. He is a trully unbelievable leader.....WOW!
12:11
 [Comment From Brent]
i thought early voting was factored in first... at like 8:10...
12:11
 [Comment From z]
this calls for a celebration with brown bag of Night Train, fried chicken, side of waffles and a chaser or Mad Dog 20/20!  One for the bruthuz.
12:11
 [Comment From Robert Gant]
http://my.barackobama.com has a live feed of the speech
12:11
 [Comment From greg]
my roomate said so
12:11
 [Comment From Brian]
Thanks Craig : )
12:11
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
greg
12:12
 [Comment From Patrick]
The CA web site is getting overloaded; it's taking a long time for the results on 8 to load.
12:12
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
source?
12:12
 [Comment From Brent]
So much for civil rights... Help us, Obama!
12:12
 [Comment From dave]
this guy is f**cking amazing!!! What a speech!
12:12
 [Comment From greg]
cnn: 310,000 vote difference with 13%
12:13
 [Comment From Peter]
You know what, Obama reminds me of Alexis De Tocqueville...read it!!!!!!
12:13
 [Comment From Carissa]
I think this is the best speech so far.  He's amazing.
12:13
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
13% reporting is NOTHING!, BUT if we loose then married CA gay brothers and sisters take it to the supreme court
12:14
 [Comment From z]
no to prop 8
12:14
 [Comment From Robert Gant]
KPIX:  12% reporting - 54% yes  -- 45% no
12:14
 [Comment From Tyler]
it won't go to the supreme court...
12:14
 [Comment From Brent]
Lord.
12:14
 [Comment From Guest]
ues, WE can! keep that in mind
12:14
 [Comment From greg]
can they do a connecticut? sue and hopefully get it reversed?
12:14
 [Comment From jocko]
can someone please send the link to view prop 8 live tally?
12:15
 [Comment From Patrick]
http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/map190000000008.htm
12:15
 [Comment From David]
With the President, Senate, and, if what you say is true, the House being Democratic finally, things are definitely looking good for our country's future.
12:15
 [Comment From Stuart]
My first post this eve...if it passes...how can people show most of CA that the gay dollar is important to them?  Boycott boycott boycott.  I'm just not sure how.
12:15
 [Comment From marty]
it so nice to hear a guy that can make a coherent sentence out of 5 words
12:16
 [Comment From Guest]
"they" may define marriage as one man/one woman, but we CAN still have equal benefits
12:16
 corey johnson:  I love Barack Obama.
12:16
 [Comment From greg]
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/ballot.measures/
12:16
 [Comment From Brian]
It is on Latimes.com, jocko
12:16
 [Comment From Mike]
http://vote.sos.ca.gov/
12:16
 [Comment From greg]
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-2008election-california-results,0,1293859.htmlstory?view=8&tab=0&fnum=0
12:16
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
Tyler, why not?
12:16
 [Comment From Casey]
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-2008election-california-results,0,1293859.htmlstory?view=8&tab=0&fnum=0
12:16
 [Comment From jocko]
thank you patrick
12:16
 [Comment From Brian]
I just love seeing the African American children watch him speak.  So amazing
12:16
 [Comment From Jeff]
The CNN site updated the prop 8 numbers 3 minutes ago and its still 54%  - yest to 46% - no, but this still doesn't include any of san fran and only 10% of LA county
12:16
 [Comment From echovic]
lets take YES WE CAN to gay equality
12:17
 [Comment From Adrian in LA]
Also, check out LA times for prop 8 info...loads faster: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/politics/cal/la-2008election-california-results,0,1293859.htmlstory
12:17
 [Comment From Everette White]
what an amazing speech Obama is delivering. Someone pinch me.
12:17
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
David the only problem is a repub fillibuster in the senate.  time to seduce Olympia Snowe etc to switch parties
12:17
 [Comment From Jeff]
Here is the cnn link
12:17
 [Comment From Jeff]
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/state/#CA
12:17
 [Comment From AJ]
@ Robert Gant thanks for the link!
12:17
 [Comment From z]
or all props http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/59.htm
12:17
 [Comment From jocko]
i'd be really bummed if prop 8 passes, california is supped to be liberal!
12:17
 [Comment From Brian Maxwell]
I am finally proud of my country again!
12:17
 [Comment From Keith]
Remember that it's the rural areas that report first.  McCain led in my state of virginia until the cities reported.  There is hope on Prop 8.
12:17
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  did he mention Biden?
12:18
 [Comment From adam]
yah, he did at the beginning
12:18
 [Comment From chris bower]
what a man...what a country...what a dream!
12:18
 [Comment From Stuart]
He did, at the outset.
12:18
 [Comment From Brian]
I feel like WE are still fighting for our civil rights....
12:18
 [Comment From Patrick]
Thanks for the reminder, Keith.  I'm sitting here in Fresno completely bummed out.
12:18
 [Comment From z]
http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/59.htm
12:18
 [Comment From Mike]
CNN's exit polls show 52 percent of both men and women voting NO on 8
12:18
 corey johnson:  Michelle Obama is FABULOUS!
12:18
 [Comment From Jason]
The speech was incredible!!!!
12:18
 [Comment From Jay]
barack  obama was amazing as usual.
12:18
 [Comment From Thomas McGlinchey]
Am I the only ninny who is crying at his speech?
12:18
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
Yepp Keith
12:18
 [Comment From Michael]
Yes
12:18
 [Comment From blue]
biden who?
12:18
 [Comment From Jason]
He mentioned Biden while thanking, I believe
12:18
 [Comment From brad]
i'm tired.  did he mention biden?  where's hil?
12:18
 [Comment From echovic]
thanks keith
12:18
 [Comment From Michael]
Oprah is in tears as well.  They just showed her.
12:18
 [Comment From David]
But the Supreme Court bitches too, though. Two out of three branches is still good.
12:18
 [Comment From echovic]
maybe one day - a gay president? and a first partner?
12:18
 [Comment From JAYDUB]
YES WE CAN!
12:18
 [Comment From Robert Gant]
Should Prop 8 pass, we must not be defeated.  If we learned nothing from this night, that is ANYTHING is possible and we are stronger in our conviction and purpose.
12:18
 [Comment From Casey]
what is michelle wearing!?
12:19
 [Comment From brad]
that dress is pretty.  pretty crazy!
12:19
 [Comment From gregg]
CNN has good exit polling on 8....52% NO....all demographics voted no except blacks, 70% yes
12:19
 [Comment From Guest]
The Fab 5 need to take Michelle shopping.
12:19
 [Comment From lezhow]
No we have tears here in Australia
12:19
 [Comment From Paul in PHX]
We know that all people should be free. We know that we are equal to all other Americans. We know that we deserve equal rights. We know how to fight for change. When faced with hatred and prejudice we keep going and we hope for a future of change. And when we are asked to try a little harder, give a little more or show our strength, we say...YES WE CAN!
12:19
 [Comment From jocko]
LA voted yes to 8?????
12:19
 [Comment From AJ]
NPR has a twitter feed of the acceptance speech if you can't watch it live
12:19
 [Comment From Patrick]
Right on, Robert!
12:19
 [Comment From Guest]
54.5% Yes on Prop 8 at 17% returns statewide, so there's still lots of room to defeat it
12:20
 [Comment From Nobu Bobu]
LA times.com has good covereage of prop 8
12:20
 [Comment From dkal]
god bless the usa
12:20
 [Comment From Charlie]
Holy F...Michelle is going to get raked over the coals in the media for that black and red number she is sporting tonight.
12:20
 [Comment From kevwyn]
thank god someone brought up the dress i didnt want to be the queen who brought it up.
12:21
 [Comment From brad]
54% NO to red and black gradients.
12:21
 corey johnson:  Orange is the perfect color for Biden's mother.
12:21
 [Comment From NoOn8]
CNN has results broken down by county...
12:21
 [Comment From Mike]
So for the first time tonight, after the speech ended, and CNN cut away to Atlanta, Harlem, and then the group outside the White House, I shed a tear.  Although my state may pass Amendment 2, I think we've got some good times ahead.
12:21
 [Comment From Jay]
San Fran & 90% of LA are not in.  still anyones game.
12:21
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
yes -- WE can.  Let's all encourage the stronghold in Senate, our supporters, from both sides of the aisle, our brothers and sisters across this nation, to provide civil, equal rights -- the same as straight couples -- to committed same-sex couples.  We DESERVE the same rights.  Let them call it something else.  In our hearts, in our minds, we all will know that if we consider it a marriage, it's the same.  And one day it will be the same and supporters of the props in CA, AZ, and FL will be ashamed.
12:21
 [Comment From adam]
is it possible to take amendment 8 back to the courts?
12:21
 [Comment From Adam]
Obama's speech was horrible. A little modesty please maybe?
12:21
 [Comment From dkal]
la can suck my d**k
12:21
when a gay candidate on a major party ticket -- Prez or VP?
4 years
( 3% )
12 years
( 21% )
20 years
( 38% )
50 years
( 26% )
100 years
( 5% )
more or never
( 8% )
12:21
 [Comment From CJ/Cory]
hell yeah! and to all the biatch log cabin Republican trolls on Towleroad cough*yoshi*cough*thequeen* EAT ME!
12:22
 [Comment From echovic]
ok i hate to be an echo - but really, WHAT IS SHE WEARING - not that i normally care... lets give her a bit of a budget, Ill raise my taxes for Michelle
12:22
 [Comment From Adam]
And Prop 8 isn't doing well. Boo.
12:22
 [Comment From Scoob]
fire her fashion coordinator -- she goes from being the black jackie o -- to "uh oh" on the night he's elected
12:22
 [Comment From gregg]
Exit poll data: http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/results/polls/#CAI01p1     of course the last marriage exit polls were 8% off, which is consistent with the results we are seeing
12:22
 [Comment From Robert Gant]
Looks like the belly of a black widow spider, does it not?
12:22
 [Comment From Tim]
it definitely does give you hope that Americans made the right choice...that they recognize the need for change *tear*
12:22
 [Comment From Lara]
Say yes to Biden's mum! Love her!
12:22
 [Comment From Guest]
san diego
12:22
 [Comment From Guest]
so nice of Biden to bring Barbara to the party
12:22
 [Comment From Rich]
Looks like Arkansas is set to pass NO to allowing gay couples to adopt.  Speaking as a gay adoptive dad, I must say - YOU BASTARDS!
12:22
 [Comment From Rob (lrdarystar)]
Gah I'm happy except for early number on CA's prop 8
12:22
 [Comment From Guest]
san diego
12:22
 [Comment From dave]
dave valk here.... http://imdavevalk.blogspot.com   can you please give us accurate polls about prop 8... having a hard time here.... please email at dvalk@ucla.edu
12:23
 [Comment From Stephen]
really fashion advice!!!! how gay!!!!!! lol
12:23
 [Comment From Yeek]
Joe Biden's wife has a nice smile and looks fun.
12:23
 [Comment From Jason]
Stop whining about what Michelle is wearing. This is a historic moment we're experiencing, NOBODY will remember what she was wearing, come on people!
12:23
 [Comment From Carissa]
I guess Michelle wanted to show the Anti-$150000 wardrobe.
12:23
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  At least they aren't playing bad country music as they did when he finished his convention speech in sime bizarre bid for votes?   Oh my god they are so good togehter
12:23
 [Comment From Brandon H]
I don't think there will be a gay person in the white house any time soon, if there were no one would probably give a shit
12:23
 [Comment From Guest]
dave: http://vote.sos.ca.gov/Returns/props/59.htm
12:23
 [Comment From JerzeeMike]
Yeah, that dress was a really bad choice.
12:23
 [Comment From jocko]
i dont know how to read the numbers from la times, how do we know which precints have reported for prop 8>
12:24
 corey johnson:  It's not looking promising in Arkansas on the foster-parenting iniatitive.

Only 50% in, but the bad guys are ahead 54-46.
12:25
 [Comment From brad]
yeah what's bruce got to say about all this
12:25
 [Comment From Guest]
san diego - 55% yes - 45% no - gay marriage, maybe not today but tomorrow
12:25
 [Comment From Guest]
one daughter in red -- one daughter in black -- mom in red and black -- I thought it was cute! ;-)
12:25
 [Comment From NoOn8]
No results from SF yet, only 10% from Alameda. It could be very close?
12:25
 [Comment From Mike]
Jocko, scroll your cursor over the map and you will be provided with data
12:25
 [Comment From Brandon H]
fuck arkansas
12:25
 [Comment From JerzeeMike]
Is that Robert Gant, the actor, on here? Wow! You're one of my favorites!
12:25
 [Comment From jocko]
bummer, prop 8 not looking good, what happens now to all the married couples?
12:25
 [Comment From Phil]
What's up with prop 8? CNN has it at 55-45 (!!!!!!)
12:25
 [Comment From kevwyn]
i think we would see a lesbian in the white house before we would see a gay man.
12:25
 [Comment From dkal]
rumor has it sf is waiting for an upset
12:26
 [Comment From JerzeeMike]
I kind of figured we'd get Obama in but lose the fight on the Ammendments, sad to say.
12:26
 [Comment From Jay]
san diego is not surprising
12:26
 [Comment From Mark]
As gay Americans, we aren't doing ourselves any favors bitching about what Michelle is wearing, while our rights are being ripped away
12:26
 corey johnson: 
Proposition 8-Same-Sex Marriage Ban
 
Total Reporting:14%
                             
 NameVotesPct.
Yes 1,874,343 54%
No 1,566,289 46%
LAST UPDATE: Nov-04-2008,  09:24 PM  Pacific Standard Time
12:26
 [Comment From brett huston]
leave the dress alone! don't you have anything worthwhile to say?
12:26
 [Comment From dion in az]
only 5100 out of 25000 polls are reporting  in CA. have patience
12:26
 [Comment From z]
is the guy on fox drunk - he looks like Sam Donaldson I'm not sure
12:26
 [Comment From Paul in PHX]
From Phoenix: Gov Napolitano is speaking live here at the Obama Victory Party and she is seen as a cabinet pick. I believe she is on our team! Yes we can!!
12:28
 Andy Towle:  What an amazing night. Have patience on Prop 8. I have hope for this country again.
12:28
 [Comment From Jimmyboyo]
14% reporting is NOTHING.  the counties that are reporting aren't even reporting 100% of their numbers yet.  cHILL OUT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
12:28
 [Comment From Mikey Z]
The New York Senate has a Democratic majority now so gay marriage is almost a sure thing in New York.
12:28
 [Comment From Jay]
this is the most discussion I've seen on Towleroad that didn't involve discussing someone "hot"!!!   Now I'm really hopeful!  :)
12:28
 [Comment From z]
no to 8, say a wish.
12:28
 [Comment From Mike]
this is depressing, i'm going to bed
12:28
 [Comment From jocko]
thank you, i had no idea LA was homophobic, c'mon hollywood
12:28
 [Comment From Andrew]
The people of CA lied to the pollsters.  Every poll showed P8 losing by 3-5 points and not one poll showed support at the 50% level.  Now its pulling in 54%.
12:28
 [Comment From Jeff]
I just checked both the LA times and CNN sites and they are still not reporting San Fran and only 10% of LA, so there is still hope
12:28
 [Comment From ToddKinAZ]
Paul -- we need Janet to stay in for 2 more!  Can't have a Republican take over as gov!!!!
12:28
 [Comment From Guest]
If 8 passes, I believe the religious right will try and overturn the other states who have allowed civil unions and marriages for our community.
12:28
 [Comment From joel]
20% reporting:8 Y 1,601,444 54.5% N 1,340,008 45.5%
12:28
 [Comment From Yeek]
69% of African-Americans supporting prop 8 in exit polls - I don't believe it's true, frankly.
12:28
 [Comment From dkal]
san fran will report results last
12:28
 [Comment From echovic]
HRC just emailed with 'too close to call' on prop 8
12:29
 [Comment From Brandon H]
Obama is Hot!
12:29
 [Comment From Guest]
I live in Ecuador, and even I was moved by what has happened in your country. A victory for us all!
12:29
 [Comment From Michael]
I really do think the prop 8 final count is going to come down to literally, a HANDFUL of votes..
12:29
 [Comment From Guest]
Michelle is hot!
12:29
 [Comment From Scoob]
same in NJ -- dems have it
12:30
 [Comment From Phil]
Only 14% reporting?  And no SF or Alameda?  What about Marin, Santa Clara?
12:30
 [Comment From joel]
20% 8 Y 1,601,444 54.5% N 1,340,008 45.5%
12:30
 [Comment From peter pony]
that was such an amazing speech...my straight dad said WTF?? to michelles outfit....but hey, it DID look like the belly of a black widow spider. shes hot though
12:30
 [Comment From Guest]
I am in such a bizzare mood - I should be "over the moon" but I'm rather depressed about Prop 8 trailing...  what will happen with my marriage?
12:30
 [Comment From DRH]
Where is the HRC getting its info?
12:30
 [Comment From Jay]
san fran 68% against with 0% reporting.
12:31
 [Comment From Alex in SF]
prop 22 in 2000 was polling at around 53-54% but passed with 61%... people aren't reliable when they state their opinions on gay marriage in public
12:31
 [Comment From Forrest]
For sure, if 8 passes it will be a huge boost to the fundies. There is already a process underway to remove CT marriages. MA is our only beachhead.
12:31
 Signorile:  I'm told that most of the results from Prop 8 are the 11% of absentee ballots. So we've not seen any real numbers.
12:32
 Andy Towle:  The Constitutional Convention in Connecticut was rejected.
12:32
 Michael Goff (aka towlero:  DK Goodwin "his ambition is much greater than to just be president. he wants to be onee of the greats." Compares him to Lincoln Roosevelt.
12:32
 [Comment From Guest]
even if same sex marriage is not deemed constitutional it will eventually happen. sexist and gender barriers are continually being questioned and broken. there is a new youtg coming of voting age who do not share their parent's unsupported beliefs. i say this as a peer. i live in a partly conservative part of san diego and i can assure you that the thought process of the youth differ from  the old. oness will in time ensue.
12:32
 [Comment From Michael V]
Amendment 2 passed didn't it?
12:33
 Andy Towle:  Yes, Amendment 2 passed in Florida. Unfortunately.
12:33
 [Comment From Andrew]
Next step for the good people of CA is to extinguish the marriages of everyone who got married in the last 6 months.
12:33
 [Comment From JerzeeMike]
Let's not give up the ship on gay marriage yet. Even if prop 8 passes (God forbid!) we still have to fight on. Idk about the rest of you but I will NOT go quietly away.
12:33
 [Comment From dkal]
no on 8 gaining points
12:33
 [Comment From Husky]
Latino men seem to have the most dislike for gay marriage
12:33
 [Comment From Zac in San Diego]
republicans typically don't participate in exit polls as frequently as democrats, that's why the #'s are skewed. You have to wait for the rest of the precincts to report to get real #'s.
12:33
 [Comment From Guest]
I love Rachel Maddow
12:33
 [Comment From JohnInManhattan]
Don't be too bummed.  If Prop 8 passes, it will be overturned.  I know that the ACLU has already decided to take it on.  And with Dems controlling the Supreme Court, etc. we are in a fantastic position.  The right wing reign is O-V-E-R.
12:33
 [Comment From Jeffrey]
I can't imagine what a victory on Prop 8 will mean to the religious-fundamentalists...   I really hope we manage to pull a victory and defeat this prop...
12:33
 [Comment From Guest]
SF is starting to report now
12:34
 [Comment From Mike]
Listening to President -elect Obama's speech, during the entire thing you could just keep saying "except for gay"  It's a new day...except for gays.  the country has changed...except for gays.  The age of hate is over...except for gays.
12:34
 [Comment From jocko]
not that hopefuly on 8...isnt socal more populous that nocal?
12:34
 [Comment From RocketInMO]
Obama is within 10k votes of McCain in Missouri... he may just win this red state after all!
12:34
 [Comment From Casey]
I'm feeling the same way "Guest"
12:34
 [Comment From Jay]
all current marriages in CA are still legal if prop 8 passes.
12:34
 [Comment From Rich]
Will Prop 8 nullify marriages that already happened?
12:34
 Andy Towle:  Not likely.
12:35
 [Comment From Mara]
A Canadian here, and I'm so thrilled for you guys. His speech gave me goosebumps. And I'm so hoping that Prop 8 dies, and dies hard.