I am returning to DC today from New Haven, Connecticut — where I talked to a number of folks who have never before voted in an election and who planned now to vote for Barack Obama. Expectations are high in this race on both sides of the equation — but I think a bit higher among those African-Americans and others who have felt sidelined in the American political scene.
The Washington Post today considers the consequences of “loss” for one of the two sides of the ticket and those who supported the loser.
But I have to say that I think given current expectation levels if Obama does not win on Tuesday, there will be a lot of violence that erupts. That is no reason for people to support Obama — and frankly, I think that violence in elections is a sign of immaturity. But it doesn’t change the fact that many who have not traditionally participated in American elections are going to do so — and right now, they expect a payoff for that participation — and most polls show Obama sliding to victory Tuesday.
The Post piece doesn’t mention the word “violence,” but it’s hard for me not to think about that as a possible outcome if Obama loses.
And even if McCain loses, which I think he will at this point, we could see violence in some parts of the country.
— Steve Clemons
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