Temper Your Expectations and Settle In for a Bumpy Week

I know everyone wants this crapfest of an election to be over, for our cojones to be pulled out of the fires of partisanship, and our lives and media sources to move on from obsession with the election, but don’t expect any clear resolution of some of the biggest questions tonight – or even in the next couple days.

My prediction for the Presidential election remains that it will be very close in some of the swing states. Ballot counting of early voting is only now commencing in a few states, and in some won’t even start until polls close.

Here is an excellent video running down the ballot counting schedules for the swing states that will help inform your fatalistic funk over the next few days as we all wait the hear whether half the country needs to flee to Canada, or to Hungary.

I don’t think we will be able to accurately declare a winner until at least this weekend. So for those of you going to watch parties tonight, be aware: you are going to only be able to celebrate a few clear wins, and that will NOT include the Presidency. I might attend some just to check in with some folks, but I would love to be a fly on the wall at my local GOP gathering at 4855 E. Broadway at the Viscount’s Wilbur’s Grill. I am perhaps a bit too well-known and recognizable to slip in and check the vibe personally, but if anyone wants to go secret agent and provide us some deets on that shindig, drop me a line! Stay safe and don’t start any shit!

I do expect we’ll get a reasonable idea of who wins the Gallego v. Lake Senate race tonight. I think Ruben will open a statistically insurmountable lead either late tonight or tomorrow. We’ll have a solid idea if 139 is going to pass (it will) and whether any of the other Props are passing (I hope not). We MIGHT have a clear read on control of Congress and the Arizona House and Senate by tomorrow, and we will likely have a very good idea of who is prevailing in key local Arizona races such as AZ Corp Commission, and key Maricopa and Pima races for Recorder and Sheriff late tonight or tomorrow. I don’t expect all of that news to necessarily be GOOD, however. Most likely, there will be a mix of elation and utter disappointment for both sides tonight and tomorrow.

My main concerns over the next few days are the safety, reputation, and security of election workers in the face of an increasing tempo of MAGA terrorist threats, intimidation, violence, and info warfare. I believe our own state’s apparatus of public safety will enforce the law and have anticipated and planned for the worst, such that even if we have threats to order and the electoral process – and we WILL – they can be countered and neutralized. We do control the Governorship, the Attorney General and the Secretary of State offices, so you can rest assured that the relevant laws will be followed and enforced.

There are still insider threats to be concerned about from local Boards of Supervisors, Sheriffs, and election officials in Recorders’ offices, local elections offices, and especially from the cadres of GOP volunteers with the explicit goal and training to disrupt the electoral process, so we can’t rest too easily. We have already seen disinformation trying to throw the election into doubt from Trump world and foreign governments: we will see MUCH more. Be distrustful of anything sensational spreading on social media in the coming week. Best stick to legitimate and accredited news outlets with real journalists – and yes that even includes this blog, especially our comments section! We only moderate for personal attacks and unacceptable behavior, not for the accuracy of content.

Polls will be closing across the county starting about now. My advice: don’t follow the returns too closely today, they won’t tell you anything useful. Take a break. Unplug. Get a massage. Drink your drank. Ingest your favorite THC delivery method. Take a jacuzzi. Hook up with your SOs. Anything that brings you a little peace and relaxation. Things are pretty much out of your hands now. You’ve done your bit to deliver a Democratic victory. Gird yourself for the rest of the week, because it is going to be a bumpy ride.