It's been often said that history is bound to repeat itself. This is true for the election, so let's take a look at what's gonna happen this election...
The Youth Vote
Every election is supposed to have a monumental participation by young voters. This is true. The Obama campaign has used the younger generation to canvas our phones, mailboxes and shopping centers with paraphernalia. He's made the best use of the active young voters to get out the message, but will they vote for him?
Young voters could really cost Obama the election. Yes they're active, as they always have been in the past, but for some reason they don't like to finish. 18-25 year-olds have had the worst voter turnout since the history of the American vote. So while Obama's lead can be strengthened by young voters, it doesn't matter if they don't vote. Speaking of not voting that brings me to my next point...
No One Votes
It's true: since 1968 voter turnout has drastically decreased. In 2000, 49 percent of people eligable to vote cast their ballots in the election. When you break that down futher women vote more then men and old people vote more than the young - specifically 55-65 year-old voters. So, what does that mean? If you don't get out there the fate of the election is in the hands of 55-65 year-old women.
Why is this such a problem? In recent weeks Obama has gained ground in most states. Unfortunately, many think that means that their candidate has already won, neglecting the fact that they actually have to cast their vote for the results to reflect the poles. So what happens? The clueless don't vote and those that do - 55-65 year-olds, who are most likely McCain supporters are the only one's that vote - win the election for McCain.
Long Court Battle
If there's one thing 2000 taught us it's that no one likes to lose. Provided that results are close and Obama comes out with a small victory, we're bound to see another prolonged legal battle. It may even outlast McCain. Do you have to explain that joke Sen. Kerry?
In 2000 many ballots were not counted or just thrown out, so how can you tell in a close battle? Remember, Bush won Florida by under 600 votes. If it's close I foresee counting until fingers bleed leading to a colossal legal battle. Which leads to the next scenario.
No One Wins
Yes, it's possible. Baring a 269-tie, the decision will go to the House of Representatives. Unfortunately the House has a problem. The Constitution stipulates that a candidates needs a majority, but each state only gets 1 vote. Well what happens if a mixed constituency state can't reach an agreement? Abstained vote, which leads to a no-majority scenario. If they don't choose before January 20, then there's no president. But...
The senate has to choose the vice-president, so if there is no decision in the house whoever wins the VP in the senate becomes the next president. Not likely to happen but... still plausible. Now here's the worst case scenario.
The President-Elect Dies
McCain is old. Obama has had numerous attempts on his life. What if they die? The Constitution has a plan of succession for when the president dies, but not when the president-elect dies. We'd be in lawsuits until the 2012 election.
But hopefully we'll have a normal election that goes to plan. The youth will vote, the polls won't lie, there will be no tie, no recounts or lawsuits. Yeah right! I wouldn't be surprised if the results are totally out in left field and something I didn't think of happens. We will see tomorrow.
