McCain pulls out of Michigan

I understand from this fairly pro-Obama source that John McCain believes he can no longer win the state of Michigan and its 17 electoral votes. Which, if its true, is massive for Obama.

According to my numbers, he'd need to win Michigan if Obama won Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Iowa. If he does not either win Michigan OR pick up another of the large swing states like Pennsylvania then I think we're looking at an Obama win.

I'm not yet ready to call that - for a number of reasons - but I think this race remains too close to call. I'd say there is perhaps a trend towards Obama lately, but there are still over 4 weeks to go.

One more thing - the VP debate. Nothing really matters less in a US Presidential. Arguably neither candidate scored a win - certainly not a big win. Both were (fairly) competent. Joe ("can I call you Joe?") Biden proved he'd be a competent VP while Sarah Palin exceeded (pretty low) expectations with a solid performance. Honours even again.

Next up: McCain v Obama Part II

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Take a drink

I see that Parliament yesterday voted against the Scottish Government's proposals to raise the age at which alcohol can be purchased from off-licences to 21.

The plans were slammed across the spectrum in Scottish society, with all of the opposition parties plus the Scottish Licenced Trade Association, National Union of Students and even the SNP's own youth wing, the Federation of Student Nationalists all presenting opposition.

I guess I'm a bit split on it. I recognise the need for something to be done about the drink culture which stains Scottish society. I'm not convinced these plans were the way to do so - but I do think that the Scottish Government's proposals have provided a way to open the debate, and to explore possible solutions. Also, as a tea-totaller, I can take the high ground on this a bit!

I knocked the Parliament a few weeks ago after the debacle over Wendy's suspension. But yesterday showed how Parliament is supposed to work - or at least, how minority government works. If your plans are popular and you can find support in the chamber, you can pass them. If you can't, they'll fall.

Democracy. A fine thing... when it works.

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Shuffling his deck - or not

Gordon Brown is to conduct a "mini-reshuffle" to his Cabinet - not the wholesale changes many were expecting. This is due to the ongoing financial crisis - where, apparently, some consistency is required to get us out of this mess.

So, those rumours that he was going to offer "The Man with the Plan" a position look somewhat off the mark...

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Tories show liberal side

"Gays have a duty to vote Conservative."

This is an interesting take on the Tories evolution.

The words "gay" and "Tory" used to only crop up in sentences with the verb "bashing" somewhere in the mix. But now - at least according to several Conservative candidates - the party is much more inclusive.

According to the BBC piece, there are 2.5 million gay electors in the UK.

2.5 million new Tory voters? Probably not. But progress for the Tories.

UPDATE: I see that the Tories appeal doesn't stretch to some...

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