The Polling Report [7.24.12]

2 Comments
Gallup finds that President Obama averaged 46.8% job approval during his 14th quarter in office.
"The recent and continuing improvement in his approval rating, though, is a positive sign for his re-election prospects, but it remains below the 50% level that virtually assures a president of a second term in office. Obama appears in much better shape now than the two recently elected presidents who were denied a second term -- Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush -- both of whom averaged below 40% approval their 14th quarters in office."
We've got a ton of new state polls from over the weekend, and they change our map a little bit. Obama gains 1 electoral vote from last week's total of 318 and Romney loses 14, dropping from 220 to 206.

What we choose to be panicked by

2 Comments
Absent a pressing life or death calamity such as an earthquake, apartment fire, car crash or a fall from a ladder, what we decide to be panicked by is largely a function of the mass media. Since the mass media is a for profit business, they have an interest in creating a baseline level of panic and keeping that base panic simmering on a continuous basis. Studies show that what we are panicked by has little connection to what will actual kill or maim us. In this blog's very comments section we have people panicked by the idea that the government could run amok and take away "our freedom" whatever that means. (The freedom to have your kids paralyzed by backyard trampolines, I suppose.) Having worked for the federal government, the idea that people can be panicked about a government run amok strikes me as ludicrous. But the radio stations these people listen to and the movies they watch keep jamming the panic button down for them. Poor things. ...

DSEA Endorses Crane for Insurance Commissioner

3 Comments
The Delaware State Education Association (DSEA) has endorsed Democrat Mitch Crane for State Insurance Commissioner over incumbent Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart and her two other challengers, Dennis Spivack and Paul Gallagher. In a press release, DSEA says that Crane’s pro-consumer stances and experience in insurance law and regulation will benefit everyone in the First State. Unlike Karen Weldin Stewart, Mitch Crane does not have to make up his endorsements.

Mike Castle lamented the future Colorado tragedy in 2004

8 Comments
Colorado Murder Gun Was Illegal Till 2004 -- by Dave Johnson The weapon the guy used in Colorado -- and assault rifle with a drum magazine that can hold 100 rounds -- was illegal under the federal assault weapons ban. But the federal assault weapons ban was killed by Republicans in 2004,
Reps. Christopher Shays, R-Conn., and Michael Castle, R-Del., said they were disheartened. "My leadership is playing Russian roulette," Shays said. "There will be without question a horrific crime committed without an assault weapon ban, and every member of Congress will have to ask where were they on this issue." Castle said gun manufacturers have offered discounts and pre-orders for months. "The gunmakers are salivating," he said. "I hate to think of what can happen now."
Heck of a job GOP! Way to go guys.