You may have even thought you were watching an episode of Saturday Night Live before reality kicked in and that yes, you had just seen breaking news on TV. And that yes, Bush, at 62, still has catlike reflexes and managed to avoid both shoes. The conference was held in Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki’s office to mark the signing of a security agreement.

Several news reports explained that in Arab culture, throwing shoes is a grave show of disrespect. “This is the farewell kiss, you dog,” Al Zeidi reportedly yelled at Bush in Arabic. In the Twittersphere, that sentiment may be shared by an even greater number – with thousands of ‘tweets’ expressing their desires to throw their very shoes – and other inanimate objects – at the outgoing 43rd US president.

David Hughes, from Glasgow, Scotland, said simply:

“If I had a shoe, I would throw it at Bush too.”

Rami Ismail, from the Netherlands, said:

“An Iraqi decided to throw a shoe at Bush during a conference. I can only imagine how sad fundamentalists are that the shoe wasn't a grenade.”

Several others commented on Bush’s reflexes and his shrugging the incident off, including Australian Kyle Buttress, who said:

“Bush had some good ducking and weaving action there during the Shoe toss… Good to see he didn't turn his back or anything.”

Erik Rasmussen, in Spain, said:

“This video of Bush & the shoe was the lead story on the news in Spain. Very telling, really, of his “accomplishments”. Needed a bloody nose.”

The Blogosphere is sure to come up with more reactions with each passing hour, but Englishman Georgie Hammerton was one of the quick ones to blog about the incident on My Bloggy Wog.

“I know this isn’t funny.. but, well it is isn’t it?

“On a side note; is this what passes for journalism in the US!? *shudder*. BBC, I salute you!”

Malaysian blogger Shamsul Yunos noted how the media covered the incident.

“If you watch CNN or BBC, they have put a fantastic spin on the story. It goes something like this: ‘Sure the image of someone throwing a shoe at Bush is bad but the fact that the man lived to tell the tale shows just how free Iraq is right now.’

“Great.

“The BBC interviewed people on the ground and the few Iraqis they met agreed with the shoe thrower in wanting Bush and the Americans out of their country.

“Apparently the white house doesn't think the image will seriously damage Bush's legacy.

“So what exactly is his legacy? Leaving a lot of mess behind? I'm sure that legacy is only being reinforced by the shoe throwing incident.”

Yunos was one of the few bloggers I came across that noted that Al Zeidi, the now well known shoe-attacker, had covered events in Sadr City extensively.

“(He) had lost several relatives in the conflict. He was also recently kidnapped and tortured in a three-day ordeal.”

Chicago-based Indian blogger Saqib Salman Shafi in his blog SaqibSaab questioned what Al Zeidi was really trying to accomplish.

“Now, based on the fact that he was using shoes, one may ask what exactly was he trying to accomplish? Best case scenario, Bush gets a black eye or a scoffed up nose. But you know what, I feel the disgruntled journalist, along with millions across the globe, could care less at the effectiveness of his weapons of choice. It was the statement that spoke loudest. Upset with the leader of the super powerful nation of the world? Take off your jutha(shoe) and chuck it at him. I can see the internet jokes of “epic shoe maneuver,” already.

“And check out how quickly he launches the first one and then removes his other shoe (reloads) and fires away. Maybe he had them untied and ready for deployment? Or rather, perhaps he wore slip-ons or loafers that day.”

Egyptian blogger, Zeinobia, was quite sorry Al Zeidi missed Bush’s head.

“This is the news of the day , sorry the news of the week or may be even the month and the end of the year.

“Bush was having a press conference today in his surprise visit to Baghdad with Al Maliki when Muntader Al-Zeidi , a reporter threw his shoes at him. Unfortunately he missed him :(”

She continued to blog about Al Zeidi, being a correspondent for Al Baghdadia Television, an Iraqi-owned station based in Cairo, Egypt, Zeinobia said she feared for his life.

“He has entered the history, already I wish that someone tells his news now in Baghdad because I fear on his life.

“Idiot Bush of course tried made fun from the incident and said these words : All I can report is a size 10.”

And in the Philippines, someone was up late enough - or way too early - to blog about it almost immediately as it broke. Dreamer4U asked why there was so much hatred in the hearts of Iraqis for Americans and other Westerners.

“It is for sure I thought an embarrassing time for America and Iraq, now I knew how mad is the Iraqi to the American, if you know why let me know here.

“Anyway the shoes of the Iraqi reporter is size 10, Bush should be glad it didn't hit him or else he would be injured before going home in the states. Now I know “W” is good on something, he could have been a good military guy, sadly he was a very ineffective President though.

“Why is it that there are hatred in the heart of the Islam/Iraqi for the American or western people?”

Bush arrived today in Baghdad on a surprise visit — his last to Iraq as commander-in-chief — to celebrate the agreement, thank U.S. troops and meet with Iraqi leaders.

It was Bush’s fourth visit to a nation transformed by the U.S.-led war he started in 2003. It follows three weeks after Iraq’s parliament approved an accord with the U.S. that provides for the withdrawal of American troops by the end of 2011.

 
OBAMANOS: Filipinos for Obama
predicts Barack’s 364-174 victory
in ECV results way back on Oct. 9

 

DC Washington 92.5-06.5 (+86.0%)  3-0
Hawaii  71.8-26.6 (+45.2%)  4-0
Vermont  66.8-31.6 (+35.2%)  3-0
Rhode Island 62.9-35.4 (+27.5%)  4-0
Massachusetts 62.0-36.2 (+25.8%) 12-0
New York 62.2-36.7 (+25.5%) 31-0
Maryland 61.9-36.8 (+25.1%) 10-0
Delaware 61.9-37.0 (+24.9%)  3-0
Illinois 61.7-37.0 (+24.7%) 21-0
California 60.8-37.4 (+24.4%) 55-0
Connecticut 60.6-38.3 (+22.3%)  7-0
Maine  57.6-40.5 (+17.1%)  3-1
Washington 57.4-40.7 (+16.7%) 11-0
Michigan 57.4-40.9 (+16.5%) 17-0
Oregon  57.1-40.8 (+16.3%)  7-0
New Jersey 56.8-42.1 (+14.7%) 15-0
New Mexico 56.7-42.0 (+14.7%)  5-0
Wisconsin 56.3-42.4 (+13.9%) 10-0
Nevada  55.1-42.7 (+12.4%)  5-0
Pennsylvania 54.7-44.3 (+10.4%) 21-0
Minnesota 54.2-44.0 (+10.2%) 10-0
New Hampshire 54.3-44.8  (+9.5%)  4-0
Iowa  54.0-44.7  (+9.3%)  7-0
Colorado 53.5-44.9  (+8.6%)  9-0
Virginia 52.7-46.4  (+6.3%) 13-0
Ohio  51.2-47.2  (+4.0%) 20-0
Florida  50.9-48.4  (+2.5%) 27-0
Indiana  49.9-49.0  (+0.9%) 11-0
North Carolina 49.9-49.5  (+0.4%) 15-0
   (margin of 13,692 popular votes)
Missouri 49.3-49.4  (-0.1%)  0-11
    (margin of 4,968 popular votes)
Montana  47.2-49.7  (-2.5%)  0-3
Georgia  47.0-52.2  (-5.2%)  0-15
South Dakota 44.7-53.2  (-8.5%)  0-3
North Dakota 44.7-53.3  (-8.6%)  0-3
Arizona  45.0-53.8  (-8.8%)  0-10
South Carolina 44.9-53.9  (-9.0%)  0-8
Texas  43.8-55.5 (-11.7%)  0-34
West Virginia 42.6-55.7 (-13.1%)  0-5
Mississippi 42.8-56.4 (-13.6%)  0-6
Tennessee 41.8-56.9 (-15.1%)  0-11
Kansas  41.4-56.8 (-15.4%)  0-6
Nebraska 41.5-57.0 (-15.5%)  1-4
Kentucky 41.1-57.5 (-16.4%)  0-8
Louisiana 39.9-58.6 (-18.6%)  0-9
Arkansas 38.8-58.8 (-20.0%)  0-6
Alabama  38.8-60.4 (-21.6%)  0-9
Alaska  36.2-61.5 (-25.3%)  0-3
Idaho  36.1-61.5 (-25.4%)  0-4
Utah  34.2-62.9 (-29.7%)  0-5
Oklahoma 34.4-65.6 (-31.2%)  0-7
Wyoming  32.7-65.2 (-32.5%)  0-3

—————————————————
 T O T A L   52.6-46.1  (+6.5%) 364
===================== -174

 

43 OUT, 44 IN. The extremely unpopular Republican President George Bush Jr. (left) welcomes the very popular Democratic President-elect Barack Obama (right) for the first time at the White House on Tuesday.
 

 

 
 
On the mark: So how
Filipinos for Obama
got ’em … quite right
 
 
By MITCH R. CONFESOR
a.k.a Jason Hussein Bourne
(OIC) Obamanos-in-Chief
 
 
How OBAMANOS: Filipinos for Obama Movement and their Philippines-America for Obama (Phil-Am for Bam) affiliates got the figures right, on how Democratic President-elect Barack Obama would lead over vanquished Republican challenger John McCain, based on Politico/Real Clear Politics (RCP) and other surveys:
 
 
11% Pennsylvania: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 15%: Quinnipiac University survey before Oct. 2
• 12%: Politico/RCP survey before Oct. 9
• 11%: Big Ten Battleground Poll before Oct. 24
• 13%: Quinnipiac Univ. survey before Oct. 24
• 10%: CNN state polls of polls before Oct. 24
• 12%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 30
• 12%: Quinnipiac Univ. poll before Oct. 30
• 14%: Marist poll before Oct. 30
• 12%: AP/GfK survey before Oct. 30
• 10%: Quinnipiac Univ. polls before Nov. 4
  —–
  12%
  ====
 
 
4% Ohio: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 8%: Quinnipiac Univ. survey before Oct. 2
• 4%: Politico/RCP survey before Oct. 9
• 4%: TIME/CNN battleground survey before Oct. 23
• 12%: Big Ten Battleground Poll before Oct. 24
• 14%: Quinnipiac Univ. survey before Oct. 24
• 7%: CNN state polls of polls before Oct. 24
• 9%: LA Times/Bloomberg poll before Oct. 29
• 4%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 30
• 9%: Quinnipiac Univ. poll before Oct. 30
• 3%: Marist poll before Oct. 30
• 7%: AP/GfK survey before Oct. 30
• 7%: Quinnipiac Univ. poll before Nov. 4
  —–
   8%
  ====
 
 
3% Florida: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 8%: Quinnipiac Univ. survey before Oct. 2
• 4%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 2
• 3%: Politico/RCP before Oct. 9
• 3%: CNN state polls of polls before Oct. 24
• 7%: St. Petersburg Times/Bay News 9/Miami Herald survey before Oct. 24
• 5%: Quinnipiac Univ. survey before Oct. 24
• 7%: LA Times/Bloomberg poll before Oct. 29
• 4%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 30
• 2%: Quinnipiac Univ. poll before Oct. 30
• 2%: Quinnipiac Univ. poll before Nov. 4
  —–
  4.5%
  ====
 
 
7% Virginia: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 9%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 2
• 5%: Politico/RCP before Oct. 9
• 10%: TIME/CNN battleground survey before Oct. 23
• 8%: CNN state polls of polls before Oct. 24
• 11%: Virginia Commonwealth Univ. survey before Oct. 29
• 9%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 30
• 7%: AP/GfK survey before Oct. 30
• 4%: Marist polls before Nov. 3
  —–
   8%
  ====
 
 
12% Nevada: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 4%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 2
• 3%: Politico/RCP survey before Oct. 9
• 5%: TIME/CNN battleground survey before Oct. 23
• 4%: CNN state polls of polls before Oct. 24
• 10%: Suffolk University survey before Oct. 29
• 7%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 30
• 12%: AP/GfK survey before Oct. 30
  —–
  6.4%
  ====
 
 
9% Colorado: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 4%: Politico/RCP survey before Oct. 9
• 8%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 30
• 9% AP/GfK survey before Oct. 30
• 6% Marist polls before Nov. 3
  —–
   7%
  ====
 
 
9% Iowa: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 16%: KCCI survey in Des Moines before Oct. 2
• 13%: Big Ten Battleground Poll before Oct. 24
• 10%: Marist Poll before Oct. 29
• 15%: Lee Enterprises survey before Oct. 29
  —–
  13.5%
  ====
 
 
9% New Hampshire: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 11%: Politico/RCP survey before Oct. 9
• 5%: Marist Poll before Oct. 29
• 5%: Boston Globe before Oct. 29
• 18%: AP/GfK survey before Oct. 30
  —–
   10%
  ====
 
 
10% Minnesota: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 11%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 2
• 7%: Politico/RCP poll before Oct. 9
• 19%: Big Ten Battleground Poll before Oct. 24
  —–
   12%
  ====
 
 
14% Wisconsin: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 8%: Politico/RCP poll before Oct. 9
• 13%: Big Ten Battleground Poll before Oct. 24
  —–
  10.5%
  ====
 
 
0.4% North Carolina: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 0.6%: Politico/RCP poll before Oct. 9
• 4%: TIME/CNN battleground survey before Oct. 23
• 6%: Time/CNN poll before Oct. 30
  —–
  3.5%
  ====
 
 
1% Indiana: 5 Nov. final result
 
• 1%: Indianapolis Star/WTHR-TV survey before Nov. 3

Rogue Economist hopes there will be “changes” as well in Brunei:

“It's official. The most powerful man on earth is now Barack Obama. This proves that nothing is impossible in this world, as long as you work (hard) for it. (Oh please God, Brunei needs someone like this to make changes!)”

Cambodia Calling reminds Obama about the challenges he will face:

“Why am I interested? Because it is everyone's business who becomes the leader of the most powerful nation in the world. The pressure on Obama will be immense. If Obama fails to deliver, it'll be a long time coming for another black president in the US.”

Return to Rai Ketak compares Obama’s victory to East Timor’s independence celebration:

“Today, phone calls and emails, online chats…All with one profoundly positive message. History does not make us. We make history. I have not felt like this since May 20, 2002. And one Timorese friend made the comparison over email as well:

“After Timorese independence, the election of Barack Obama is one of the great events of the 21st century. It does not matter what may come to pass afterwards. The great step has already been taken.”

Indonesia Anonymus wonders whether Indonesians will vote an Obama-like candidate:

“Indonesians, of course, just like many people in any other countries, are mostly for Obama. So we love Obama, no doubt about it. Now the question is: if there is an ‘obama' in our country, will we be able to spot him? Or better yet, will we vote for him?

“In Indonesia, that would make our ‘obama' half native Indonesian and half Chinese. Let's just say, our ‘obama' has a javanese mother from Solo, central Java, and an Indonesian-Chinese father with ancestors from Fujian province, China.”

GJ Jakarta notes that the world has high expectations for Obama:

“This is a huge amount of pressure for this guy, he has not only the weight of Americans’ expectations, but that of the entire world.

“The reality is there will still be a financial crisis, the USA will be in recession, there will still be soldiers dying in Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of people will be out of work, many more will lose their homes. I know this guy didn't do that, he's not responsible, and people are just looking for a happy story, something for the future, some shining light from the dark tunnel.”

Mahaguru58 from Malaysia believes America has redeemed itself by electing Obama:

“America has redeemed itself today by electing a man whom we can all respect and honor. Just listening to him speak, gives us a sense of hope. Each word that he utters, each sentence that he proclaims, returns a sense of goodwill to America. Today, the whole world celebrates the coming of a new era.”

Obnoxious 5xmom advises Malaysian bloggers who are overjoyed by Obama’s victory to do something about Malaysia’s local problems:

“It doesn’t make sense. So many Malaysian bloggers are ooooing and ahhhaing over how Obama has won the USA election. They write so passionately about him and how he is going to bring changes to the United States and the world.

“Yet, in our very own backyard, here in beautiful Malaysia, they never even bother to do something about it. Why so over the moon with what is happening in the USA when we cannot even try to make the changes over here in our country?

“Why I don’t see them ever question our own country’s policies? Why I don’t see them ever get agitated with the things that happen over here that affects us? Why gushing over something over at the USA when we cannot even lift a finger to do something here?”

Noting that America has achieved a breakthrough after electing Obama, Lim Kit Siang bemoans the quality of race relations and nation-building in Malaysia:

“Obama’s historic breakthrough make many Malaysians ask whether it is possible for a Chinese, Indian, Kadazan to become the Prime Minister of Malaysia although the Constitution is very clear that any Malaysian citizen, regardless of race or religion can become Prime Minister.

“If such a question is asked 50 years ago, the nation’s founders would unhesitatingly answered in the positive as there is no constitutional bar - separate from the question of whether it was likely to happen.

“But if the same question is asked now, there will be strong voices (as heard in Parliament today when this question was posed) who would rise up to say no.

“Why is Malaysian race relations and nation-building going backwards in the past 50 years as compared to the historic breakthrough in race relations in the United States with Obama’s historic victory in the US presidential elections?”

Rocky's bru from Malaysia has some questions for Obama:

“Will he be able to turn around the US economy? Will he close down Guantanamo Bay? Will he stop America's holy War against Terror? I have my doubts. But who cares, uh? They say anyone after Bush would/should make a better US President, at least to the rest of the miserable world.”

The US embassy in Thailand held a mock elections in Bangkok. Guess who won in the ballots? HaPPi like a HiPPo describes the mood in Bangkok:

“In the past few days, Thai television and radio channels in Bangkok have been talking a lot about Obama and seem to have forgotten about PAD protesters. Every Thai person I know supports Obama and even the radio jockeys and news presenters love him. Soon we can expect Obama dolls and other goodies being sold on the Thai streets.”

DK from Singapore was first worried over the selection of Obama as the Democrat’s candidate:

“I must admit that I was kinda worried when I learned that Obama is the Democrat candidate instead of Hillary. My main concern was that he is a black and America might not be really for a black president yet. I’m glad I was wrong. I’m glad Obama is elected as the President of United States. And although we don’t know if he is the right person to bring USA and the world out of recession, we know that we have better chance with him in the White House.”

Stars in the making from Singapore is a supporter of McCain:

“Tears came to my eyes when I watched John McCain give his final speech of this election campaign. In my mind, John McCain should be the next President of the USA. His experience in foreign affairs & war will stand America in good stead, and to me, he is the stability that America & the world needs during these turbulent times.

“But America voted for “Change”. Obama is a good man, and will lead the country with integrity. He is a symbol of the American Dream, but how long will this dream last? Will reality bite when Obama steps into his first year in office? Will expectations be too much for him to meet?”

Obama has chosen a Filipino as his consultant on Asia Pacific issues. At midfield reacts:

“For Filipinos, we will now to see whether having a Filipina as his main consultant of Asia Pacific issues will benefit us and lead to Obama revisiting his position against the Filipino USAFFE veterans equity bill and other issues, not least of them how the war on terror is being carried out here.”

A Filipina Mom Blogger is curious about Obama’s foreign policy:

“As a Filipino, I am interested in Senator Barrack Obama’s foreign policy. In Obama, I see a president willing to reach out to world leaders, whether friend and enemy, to open dialogue and resolve differences through diplomacy rather than military engagement. After all, when did it hurt to sit down and talk to our enemies?

“An Obama election will send a signal to minorities across America and to countries around the world that the US is breaking through the racial divide, opening their hearts to people of all colors and religion.”

Tonyo Cruz asks Filipino activists to emulate Obama’s campaign strategies:

“For Filipinos, let us draw inspiration from Obama’s victory. Let us raise the call for change this early (Obama started his campaign two years ago; the next elections here will be in less than two years!), challenge the political parties, and make our issues the central issues in the presidential campaign. Of course, the Philippine political system is a totally different animal compared to the US system. But that should not be an excuse to throw out the whole Obama experience. There are plenty of lessons to learn and perhaps to also apply in our own situations.”

 

 
 
The ‘OBAMA Way’: 7 steps to success
By HOWARD FINEMAN/msnbc.com
 
 
Answer MSNBC Election 2008 pop-quiz
 
 
… Even dreaded Republican archvillain
Karl Rove predicts on Election Day eve
landslide Obama victory 338-200 ECVs
 

 
 
’08 poll: Make thy own
Electoral College Vote
US by-state calculator
 
1.) Opinion Journal
 
2.) CNN Electoral Map
 
3.) Baltimore Sun

Phil. Daily Inquirer: Filipinos cheer
with the world for 44th US President

6 November 2008

 
 
OBAMANOS¡

Filipinos for Obama
celebrate in former
American navy base
in Subic Bay ecozone

5 November 2008

 

Malaysian blogger Kay Peng celebrated the news and comments on the sights around him.

“Earlier at Colorado Springs, I visited several election posts and had a chance to speak to a significant black activist from the county, senior pastor Rev. James McMearn. Rev. McMearn believes other African American leaders such as Rev. Jesse Jackson have made it possible for Obama to come this far. He acknowledges the transformational effect of Obama's election as the 44th President of USA.

His observation cannot be more accurate. At the Obama party, an African American woman rushed up to hug me after it was obvious that Obama has clinched the presidency. People of all ethnicity shed their tears of joy together and exchanged hugs and kisses. This is a true transformation and it has started tonight.

It is undeniable that this election is ground breaking for the United States of America. It has mobilises and motivates more Americans than any other elections in the history of American politics. He is the first African American president and the first African American presidential candidate who is able to garner massive support from across ethnicity, creed and gender.”

Peng further analyzes what contributed to President-Elect Obama’s win.

“here are several; his personality, strategy, consistency and the current political environment.

Obama's cool headed approach and demeanour was exclusively identified as an important contributor to him being seen as more presidential than his hot headed opponent.

McCain's attack on Obama lack of experience backfired when he picked Sarah Palin as his running mate. Like I have said in my previous post, the nomination of Palin will become a case study of poor political decision for many more months to come.

There is a valuable lesson for McCain to bring home from this historic contest. Do not ignore the influence and support of a growing middle ground. Many staunch republican supporters (Reagan Republicans) have deserted his campaign for moving to the extreme right of his party.

Obama's campaign is set to become a model for all election campaigns in the future. Many aspects of his campaigns will be carefully studied and copied in the future - from fund raising, organisation to his consistent political messages. The most unique part of his campaign is the spirit itself. The way Obama was able to move and motivate his supporters to be part of his Change movement is something not easily replicated. It comes from the heart.”

Indonesian blogger, Maman, comments on the power of one particular word.

“How big is the power of HOPE….don't forget, never lost the fate on the hope you have, hope is actually the biggest power you could ever have in you.
Salute for President Obama…..”

In another post, the blogger comments on what the win means for America.

“Young and charismatic but with little experience on the national level, Obama smashed through racial barriers and easily defeated Republican John McCain to become the first African-American destined to sit in the Oval Office, America's 44th president. He was the first Democrat to receive more than 50 percent of the popular vote since Jimmy Carter in 1976.”

And in the Philippines, PatricioMangubat, writes about the President-Elect’s acceptance speech that drew thousands in Chicago.

“Democratic candidate Barack Obama has just been elected the 44th U.S. President. I just finished watching Obama deliver his acceptance speech. It was a speech that I think would be the subject of study and talk for years. It’s a speech that encapsulated what Americans really hope their government would do for them–unite them and rebuild their nation from the damages wrought by years of excesses.

Truly, that speech was more than presidential. It was the most ideal speech ever to be made by a U.S. president. Faced with crises and threats of monumental proportions, Barack Obama said the right things at the right time–change can only happen, if Americans unite behind government.”

PatricioMangubat then comments on the magical “hope” word.

“Obama’s message is as clear as the summer’s day–hope and change rest in every American. It’s a message of hope, I think, not just for Americans, but also for Filipinos.

Those who hope for a better life under a better government–despair not. Evermore, Filipinos should hope that someone in the present generation would stand up and provide what we truly need–a rallying cry and a true leader who’ll put our house in order.”

Hours after President-Elect Barack Obama spoke in front of thousands of supporters in Chicago, Illinois, non-US based bloggers familiar with Feng Shui referred back to their predictions and re-posted entries even just to say they were right. There were also those who posted their fears of the number 4 and what it may signify in the future of the historic leader, who by the way was born on August 4, 1961. According to the ancient Chinese system of aesthetics, the number 4 is considered inauspicious – or downright unlucky – in Feng Shui because it sounds like “death” in Cantonese. Knowing that, it is understandable why the number is considered bad luck in traditional Chinese circles.

Filipino blogger, ari, states that the 44th president of the United States indications point toward this:

“(Obama) needs to be told about Chinese Feng Shui and cautioned that the number 4 in Chinese numerology is considered unlucky and sounds like death in Cantonese. If one were to believe this, then 44 could mean a double death threat!

“There have been three incidents involving potential assassination attempts, the latest of which involves two skinheads reportedly tasked with beheading blacks all across the US. Obama’s security detail is now double the usual number, and US Secret Service sources said they are keeping Obama’s campaign route a tightly-guarded secret until the very last minute, frequently changing his code name in case it is being monitored by potential assassins.

“… the Secret Service will have its hands full because of potential death threats considering the deeply-rooted racist sentiments still harbored by many people no matter how much Americans deny it. There were instances where an Obama cardboard was hung up on a tree; the head of a dead animal was stuck with Obama campaign stickers; and an offensive billboard showed an Obama caricature wearing a turban.”

However, Prosy dela Cruz, another Filipino blogger and supporter of Obama disagrees and insists Feng Shui is actually working in the president-elect’s favour since he has more number 8s surrounding him. The number 8 is considered lucky in Feng Shui and is more dominant than the number 4.

“When we seem to perceive that all is against Obama’s campaign, that it seems his beginner’s luck is being evasive and no longer there, his dream to become the 44th US President is simply being tested: does he have enough persistence and courage to push through and reach the finish line?

“Like Beijing’s Olympics opening on 08/08/08, we too will have to believe that Obama, who turned 47 on 08/04/08 – that’s a convergence of lucky 8’s – will have luck lined up for the next US President.”

Ukrainian blogger and Feng Shui expert Zvezdochka says Chinese zodiac signs say a lot about the type of president Obama will make.

“Energy is a top concern in this year’s presidential election, but the personal energy of the candidates could ultimately affect the future of America. In the Chinese zodiac, McCain is a rat and Obama is an ox. 2008 is a rat year, but next year is Year of the Ox and that favors Obama, according to experts.

“Watching Obama in the debates showed his Ox qualities of being unflappable and steady.

“An ox is associated with the earth element and is known for being dependable, calm, methodical, and resolute and their negative qualities make them stubborn, materialistic, rigid and demanding. Speaking purely to the feng shui of time and energy, feng shui supports Obama over McCain.”

France-based Feng Shui expert Jeannie, who has worked with well-known experts Lillian Too of Malaysia and Joseph Yu of Canada, blogged early on November 4 why she thought Obama would win the election despite the double number 4 ‘threat’.

“His power is rooted and stored in the Goat, which is clashed open by Ox in the year branch. In his current 10-year luck period of yin metal Rabbit, Rabbit makes his power even stronger. Metal is his graceful output but is clashing his power with his heavenly month stem. He badly needs water to bridge this clash. We can find it in his hour pillar, also in this year’s Earth Rat and this month’s Water Dog.

“His performance so far, is exceptional because of the triangular combination of Snake, Rooster and Ox. As a matter of fact, November 4 brings him additional powerful output with the combination of monkey, rooster and dog.”

This also is a good time to check in on other bloggers in Oceania and Asia to see how they view the contest.

From the Philippines, A Girl's Notebook is balancing her attachment for Barack Obama with her job prospects:

Personally, at first I like Obama. I am not saying that McCain will not be a good president. I know that McCain has a heart for blacks and asian people. But Obama is black and he grew up in Indonesia which is an Asian country. So he knows what a black and an asian person feels. But then, McCain is more open to country’s relation with other nations and outsourcing. Being in the call center industries, of course, I will be affected if Obama is against outsourcing. I might lose my job! :( Though I understand the reason behind Obama’s stand about outsourcing.

Manuel L. Quezon III, also from the Philippines, takes us on a historical tour of U.S.-Philippine relations as a lens to view the current election.

Let me state first of all that my bias is a clear and in many ways, an unshakeable one, beginning with being bombarded by my father’s very strong opinion that the American Democratic Party was the only proper party to appreciate in the United States, because it was the party of Philippine independence, a cause that generally prospered during Democratic administrations and that fared less well under Republican ones. For this reason I continue to be astounded by Filipino-Americans who are Republicans but eventually, I suppose it makes sense for those who’ve made the decision to leave home and become citizens of the USA: emigration is at the very least an implicit repudiation of the homeland; more often than not, an explicit one, too; and if one party and its policies can be credited with the independence one feels ambivalent about, then one can understandably embrace the very party that, to too many Filipino minds, was poised to bring the permanent blessings of American civilization to their benighted little brown brothers.

That being said, I suppose I am like most Filipinos in viewing the relationship of the Philippines with the United States as more of a positive than negative one, or at the very least, who sees it from the perspective of a relationship that is very personal and not just abstract: the relatives and friends over there, the American friends over there and here, and so on. And for every George W. Bush who praised Marcos’ devotion to democracy, there’s a Ted Kennedy who was a friend to Filipinos fighting Marcos.

In the end, he supports a better America:

…[A]nd for those, like me, with a particular kind of affection for a particular kind of America, to derive a certain satisfaction and comfort -the comfort of a return to something familiar, and which seemingly seemed poised to be gone for good- from what is going on.

It’s a return to a more inclusive, a more idealistic, less fear-driven and optimistic, view of the world, for Americans the world they affect so much; and for those who find affinity in those ideals, and in the expression of those ideals, a return to the motive power of words, and of their promise of a society where Social Justice is a living ideal, a commonly-held aspiration, and where might is not what defines right.

David Farrar from Kiwi Blog provides a litany of what-ifs regarding the star-crossed McCain campaign:

If McCain had been elected, he would have been one of the most independent Presidents in history. His legislative history as a Senator speaks for itself. His independence from some of the religious lobby groups would be especially useful - abortion and civil unions should not be the number one issue for a country.

America would have had its most ardent pro free trade President in history - McCain supportes free trade agreements with every country, except those they have security issues with.

On fiscal issues, Bush has left a disaster of a deficit, and McCain would probably have been pretty effective in reducing the deficit. Bush in fact has massively expanded the federal budget.

On Iraq, he was the main proponent of the surge strategy, that basically suceeded. The challenge would have been to then reduce numbers in Iraq over time so that the Iraqi Government can govern without the need of foreign troops. A McCain presidency would be given more time by am impatient public to withdraw. Obama may find it very difficult to reconcile the expectations of his supporters and the obligations to the Iraqi Government not to pull out too quickly.

Within those dark clouds, he comes up with some silver lining:

It is a credit to McCain that he is still so close to Obama in the polls, when you consider only 10% of Americans say the country is heading in the right direction and 88% say the wrong direction. The candidate for the party of the incumbent should be miles behind. He won’t lose by miles but I don’t think it will be close either.

Of course, Farrar’s readers weren’t going to let him off the hook for that prognostication.

Neil M, who had this to say:

The world will now have to deal with the realities of an Obama presidency. Will the rest of the world stop acting like an angry teenager - bridling at parental control but unwilling to move out of home? With Obama there’ll be no more excuses for Europe to drag its feet on commitment in such places as Afghanistan.

And Grumpyoldhori:

Come on David, McCain ranting that the USA needed to confront Russia in Georgia, how utterly mad would that be.
McCain arguing that you do not talk to those you have issues with, suggesting that military force should be the first not the last option. He is seventy two years old, do you believe that Palin is ready to have her pinkys on the button right now ?
A woman who could not even explain what the dubya doctine was.

It will be interesting to see how many non religious types stay with the Republicans if they continue to push Palin forward.
Or do all Republican types believe in the rapture etc ?

Slightlyrighty added this:

Personally I can’t see McCain winning this. This may well be less of a observation as to how good a president he could be but more of a reflection on just how bad a president Bush was. The turning points in both campaigns to me was the VP selections. Obama selected a VP in Joe Biden who complemented him. In areas Obama was weak, Biden is strong, and we have a complete package.

By selecting Palin, McCain screwed up big time. McCain is 72, and needed to pick a Co-President, not a Vice President. McCain’s age is an issue, and there is no denying it. It may have no bearing on his ability to do the job in reality, but the minds of voters can be as far removed from reality as it could possibly be! That choice in itself represents bad judgement on the part of McCain

From Singapore, Rascal, a blogging dog (you read that correctly) explains why he would like a vote in this year’s election. That’s because this election is about animal rights:

With the US presidential campaign coming to its climax today, I cannot help but wonder why no one bothered to ask us who we want to vote for. For the record, Rascal is a Barrack Obama supporter. Why? For one, Rascal is a black supporter. (I’m half black labrador, half husky remember?)

Okay, back to serious matter. I came across this article about this 109-year-old lady was the daughter of a man born into slavery. Now, I have mean no offense to any black member but I can see several smilarities between the challenges faced by the black community and the animal community. We are both born into something we have no choice in. And when people sit back and give in to the situation, it was always remain status quo. In the face of opposition, the black community rallied together, with compassionate white people and raised their voices against the inequality and atrocities the black community is being subjected to.

Bam wins: First returns
in New Hampshire out

Dixville Notch:

Obama 71%
McCain 29%

Hart’s Location:

Obama 58.6%
McCain 34.5%
Paul 06.9%

Front-running Democrat Barack Obama seeks to become the first black president and his Republican rival John McCain hopes for a poll-defying comeback. The winner will lead the US through a financial meltdown and long drawn out wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“Our goodwill there will transcend the political considerations, whatever the outcome of the current elections in the US would be, this will not change the good relations that we have,” Press Secretary Jesus Dureza told reporters here.

“Whether it is Obama or McCain, we are confident of finding fresh opportunities of strengthening RP-US relations in pursuit of our national interest,” Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio said in a statement.

“We join the American people in prayer that the US elections will prove to be a successful and credible exercise worthy of the world’s leading democracy,” Claudio said.

Asked which candidate would better serve the interest of the Philippines, Dureza said: “We leave this to the Americans to make that determination.”

Arroyo is an outspoken supporter of incumbent US President George W. Bush, a Republican. Bush has seen his popularity decline amid the financial meltdown, and growing opposition over the US occupation of Iraq.

Bush made a state visit to the Philippines in October 2003, reciprocating Arroyo’s visit to Washington earlier that year.

During an official visit to the United States last June, Arroyo met with McCain but scheduling conflicts prevented her from meeting Obama. Arroyo and Obama, however, talked over the phone.

The idea that Barack Obama, the son of a Kenyan father and a white mother, has a real chance of becoming the American President makes the idea of America even more palatable to the rest of the world.

Our own experience with America in the Philippines started badly. After having been contacted by the American consul in Singapore, General Emilio Aguinaldo who was the president of a nascent Philippine Republic (in exile in Singapore and Hongkong), returned to the Philippines to lead his troops in support of the American forces that was due to invade the country. (The US was at war with Spain, our then colonial master.)

The American forces, with some help from the Pinoy troops won and Spain had to give up the country to the victorious American Republic. Almost immediately, war (the Americans called it an “insurgency” exactly what they now call the resistance in Iraq) broke out between the Americans and our troops.

As in Iraq, the Americans foolishly thought that they would defeat the Pinoys in from two weeks to a month. It did not happen that way. The fighting continued for several years. In the meantime, the Americans who started their Philippine adventure with the noble thought of spreading democracy to this part of the world, possibly in frustration over the unending hostilities, began to resort to torture and outright slaughter.

What saved the situation was the appointment of William Howard Taft to the Philippines. Taft persuaded Washington to return to its original purpose in coming to this country – that of spreading democracy. Taft moved for General Arthur MacArthur’s removal. Taft argued that, instead of treating Filipinos harshly as America’s enemy, the Pinoy should be regarded as America’s “little brown brother.”

That was also when America’s secret weapon for pacifying the Philippines was unveiled. The US brought over 500 pioneering American teachers. The third group of these teachers were on the transport ship, USS Thomas; thus, they were known as the Thomasites, which was the name the Filipinos used for even subsequent batches of American teachers.

(If you wonder why the Filipinos fought so fiercely on the side of America during the Second World War, it was the Thomasite teachers who inculcated in our fathers a love for America. The Spanish never really went for universal education in the Philippines. This is why Spanish was always a language of only the Pinoy elite, while English is understood — no matter how badly spoken — universally.)

Taft had already won the Pinoys over to the American side but Washington failed to notice this; instead, official America continued to harbor the attitudes that were brought about by their war with the Pinoys.

In 1912 Woodrow Wilson would win the Presidency. This was welcomed in the Philippines because the Democrats had always voiced anti-imperialist slogans. Those who were for immediate independence – most of the Philippine elite – were ecstatic over a President Wilson. It was Wison that set us on the road to eventual independence.

Wilson’s views on the Philippine had undergone changes over the years since 1898. First opposing annexation of the Islands, he later advocated a policy of American tutelage to prepare us for Democratic rule. The 1912 Baltimore platform, under which Wilson ran, called for “an immediate declaration to recognize the independence of the Islands as soon as a stable government can be established.”

The long term effect of Wilson’s presidency on us was to belatedly give Aguinaldo what he fought for. Wilson’s decision was to “cut and run” in a phased transition that would eventually deposit the Philippines in the hands of the illustrado elite. Our elite inherited the colonial government structure while the mass of the inhabitants remained in economic, cultural and political subordination. And so we remain today.

What underlines the failure of our American-style democracy is the Pinoy diaspora. There are twelve million overseas Filipinos. If we were a success, we would have had jobs for everyone in the Philippines. By comparison there are only 35 million overseas Chinese. Our overseas Filipinos are literally keeping the country afloat, providing 13.5% of total GDP, chiefly in sums sent to relatives. The subordinated keep the country afloat while the elite continue to rule!

How will an Obama (or, even along shot McCain) victory affect the Philippines? The reality of this present world is that whatever happens in America affects the rest of the world.

* * *

We have a letter from someone who wishes to remain anonymous: “On subject cable project of Globe, which you featured in your Oct 24 column, Sorsogon and Samar should welcome this positively:

“First, it will accelerate their assimilation to the ICE age of the 21st century. Meaning, people will be exposed to Information (broadband internet, distance learning), Communication (broadband telephony), and Entertainment (up-to-date TV broadcasts and shows).

“Second, Singapore Tel has a sizable interest in Globe, and they have been laying out cables ever since. I am pretty sure that this work will be handled by their Cable Laying Ship, which is specifically built for this sole purpose. The submarine cable does not lie on the sea bed. It is buried beneath and properly anchored, to protect it from cable-gnawing sharks, prevent it from swaying with the strong undercurrents, and pose no danger to stupid ships with dragging anchors. Before physical work is done, cable plotters have already determined the exact route avoiding undersea hills, caves, and other similar obstructions.

“The idea is to lay out the cable in a more or less stable horizontal ground. As such, the route is never a straight line, in almost all instances. At a conservative rate of 10 lineal kilometers per day, cable laying is done in 17 days.

“Third, once in service, this cable can be utilized as a service-restoration alternative in case other cables going south to Visayas and Mindanao conks out, preventing communication blackout in times of emergency.

“And lastly, if the government finally computerizes elections, this is one route that is already solved.

“I read Malaya everyday and I’m glad you’re into everything.”

Before they went to bed, however, bloggers across Asia wrote about what they hoped and expected to find out when they wake up.

In Indonesia, Maman wrote that an “anxious feeling” was coming over her. And, despite the polls agreeing with her, she is preparing for a GOP win.

“I am really having a strange feeling about the US Election, it's a strange feeling I can't describe. The poll survey surely go to my favor, OBAMA will win, but I do believe that race will play in the final result. I try to scare myself with the reality IF GOP win this election, it will be a big POUNCH on only to my stomach, but to almost most of the average American.”

In South Korea, Expat Jane, writes that she’s also feeling “nerves and anxiety” but is excited to find out the results.

“I've been so very cool during most of this campaign. At least, when it comes to the discussion of Obama winning because I believe he will. By this time tomorrow, we'll know.”

In the Philippines, Martin Perez, makes one last plea and further addresses why Filipinos should support Obama.

“For a segment of the Philippine population, the possibilities are within their reach. They just don’t look towards government for this. Middle class Filipinos make do and succeed inspite of the failings of their government. That there are jobs waiting for us abroad is part of our modern paradigm. That we aspire for reliably wealth generating jobs such as medicine, law and accounting, is part of our national intuition. And that we need nothing from government because it takes from us more than we receive is by and large remains the cancer in our society that Dr. Jose Rizal died not having incised.

For the people who have chosen not to have a stake in government despite being able to do so, what they seek is not merely a government that works, but a government they can trust. They need a reason to believe that it can be a force for good. Their contributions — whether time, money, effort or even prayer — should address specific needs, real goals, and achieve tangible results. How we activate and inspire these people is an open question.

It is a question to which Barack Obama has responded excellently.”

Perez further addresses Obama’s campaign.

“Through his campaign, Barack has demonstrated an ability to build a coalition from the ground up. Through his multi-faceted, multi-tiered campaign, he has gotten many people involved and interested in politics, whether they be first-timers or like-the-first-timers. His organization provides a wonderful case study in how media (now with no line between traditional and new) can be effectively utilized to promote a political brand and message. Moreover, his fundraising and rallying capabalities are testaments to not just the efficiency of their campaign machine but to his character. Barack has a quality, an appeal that demands respect, if not that then at least our attention. Most importantly, the message he carries is one I have long wanted to articulate.

What I wish to take out of watching the US elections is a sense of the audacity of hope. Through my study and comparison of various systems, I realize that empowerment comes from that core belief we all share regardless of our status in life — that our hard work will pay off and that tomorrow will be a better day. In Barack I see someone who has been able to inject new energy into the system by reminding people of this fundamental hope. And thus for a Filipino observer such as I, there is simply too much to learn from Barack Obama.

I am under no delusion. Barack Obama is not running for the presidency of the Philippines. But chances are, that in not too many years from now, one of us who have lived through this election cycle will.”

Lastly, in China, Stan Abrams also writes that he is anticipating the results.

“Tomorrow morning at 8:00 I will be sitting in a room at the Renaissance hotel watching CNN, pouring cups of coffee down my throat and trying not to let my blood pressure get too high. (I refer to the AmCham election-watch event — see more info here.)

As I’ve mentioned a few times recently, I have spent a huge amount of time following the election this year. Needless to say, the suspense is killing me, and I really need this to be over so I can move on with my life.”

The expat in China goes on further to state he is “tired” of being embarrassed by the U.S. government.

“It should come as no surprise that I’m tired of explaining to people why Bush was elected/re-elected. I’m tired of having to agree with critics of the U.S. government, tired of being embarrassed by Bush’s latest blunder, tired of saying that this is all temporary (much more difficult after 2004). Bush, McCain and Palin bashing has been a great source of fun and entertainment over the years, of course, but yeah, I am ready for it to be over. Obama’s consistent talk about restoring the image of the U.S. in the world is probably the single most important issue for the average expat, and I dare say that he’s got the expat vote locked up solidly.”

No surprises, no game changers:
Pinoys for Obama stay confident

 

 
 
Obama 54%, McCain 43%
as ex-red states Arizona,
North Dakota turn bluish
 
 
MANILA – With less than 24 hours to the conclusion of the most historic race to the White House in recent memory, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois is poised to be elected tomorrow and inaugurated in January as the 44th President of the United States.
 
Various recent surveys also show Obama slowly inching closer into known Republican strongholds as North Dakota and Montana, and even in Indiana and the very turf of his losing rival, Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
 
The latest ABC News/Washington Post tracking survey conducted on October 28-31 shows Obama overwhelming McCain statewide by 11 percent, at 54-43 percent with an error margin of 2.5 points.
 
Meanwhile, the New York Times/CBS News poll conducted on October 25-29 shows Obama overcoming McCain nationwide also by 11 percent, at 52-41 percent with an error margin of 3 points.
 
Worse for the Republicans, the NBC/Mason Dixon poll conducted on October 27-28 in McCain’s home state shows Obama closing the gap in Arizona at –4 percent, at 44-48 percent with an error margin of 4 points.
 
Moreover, the Indianapolis Star/WTHR-TV survey conducted on October 26-28 shows Obama leading McCain in Indiana by 1 percent, at 46-45 percent with an error margin of 4 points, while the WISH-TV Indiana poll conducted on October 24-28 shows a tie at 47 percent, with an error margin of 5 points.
 
In surveys of other battlegrounds, the latest Marist polls conducted from October 26-28 with an error margin of 4 points show Obama ahead of McCain in Colorado by 6 percent, at 51-45 percentage, and in Virginia by 4 percent, at 51-47 percentage.