Governor Sarah Palin flies home to Alaska today.

At an Alaska Obama gathering Tuesday night, some celebrants said they were disappointed by the new Palin they saw in the campaign.

“All the alliances she used to get things done have been shattered,” said Kate Troll, executive director of the Alaska Conservation Alliance. “She comes back to unknown territory.”

Somewhere over the Western US…
Todd?
Yes dear.
Did we bring the shotgun?
We did Sarah. Why do you ask?
I’m worried.
You worried? About what? The secret service is with us, at least until we land, and the people love you.
John didn’t.
Oh pooh. He just doesn’t understand you. For that matter neither did Cindy, but she’s just jealous.
Really?
Yes really Sarah. I mean, look at you, you’re a hottie. Why every time I see you with a shotgun I get as hard as a glacier.
Oh Todd you always know just what to say.
< Bing > This is the captain. If you look off to the right of the plane you’ll see Mt. Rainier, the only peak in the lower forty eight with a glacier. Unfortunately it’s melting.

Todd?
Yes dear.
Do you think they still love me in Juneau?
Of course they do. We’ll just have to watch out for all those jealous types, and those liberals who hate America, the heathens, those tax and spenders from the left and of course those radical terrorists. Oh, and the polar bears, don’t forget the polar bears.
Should I worry then?
No Sarah, we don’t have to worry about anybody really, expect maybe those lying in wait.
Lying in wait to what?
To hurt us, to embarrass us, to make it impossible for you to run for President next time.
< Bing > This is the captain. If you look off to the left you might see moose as they migrate south for the rutting season.

Todd?
Uh uh.
Did you bring the shotgun shells?
Yep. Is that okay?
Yessiree.
Anything else Sarah?
No, we’re done.

At 7:19 PM Mountain Standard Time yesterday Fox News projected Senator Barack Obama as the winner in Ohio, which as we all know doomed the McCain effort. The rest of the evening was spent in amazement of Mr. Obama’s accomplishment: first Ohio then Virginia, Florida and eventually Indiana fell from the republican column to the Democrat.

Despite all the people in the streets of Chicago, New York, Atlanta and elsewhere there were no reports of violence.

During Mr. McCain’s concession speech boos could be heard at the mention of the President-elect, ever classy those republicans. At long last the age of divisive politics, wedge issues and cultural warfare has been relegated to the trash. Now we all know that those tactics won’t be withdrawn from the republican quiver, but it should be easier to marginalize those who employ them, at least for a cycle or two. As the Washington Post said of the republican party in their editorial supporting Obama for President,

We believe they have richly earned, and might even benefit from, some years in the political wilderness.

In Chicago the future first family was introduced to an adoring crowd in Grant park and it was readily apparent that the President-elect was well aware of what had been accomplished.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

Fasten your seatbelts America there’s a new leader coming who knows there is a struggle ahead that requires leadership, vision and commitment.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America - I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you - we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

Yes, we know it’s a mess and yes we know it’ll take hard work. Tell me what’s next, help me have hope.

This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can.

Okay, I can go with that. What’s next?

It starts with a win for Obama in Dixville Notch, N.H. according to AP.

Obama defeated John McCain 15-6.

This evening I am looking forward to celebrating the end of the conservative era that has taken America down in so many ways. And it appears the sky is the limit on the electoral voting. I’m still in the 311 to 325 range, but I’ve heard estimates as high as 350. I’m looking for Virginia and North Carolina early on. If Obama is declared early there it’ll be a short evening and I will rejoice.

Over at Suburban Guerrilla Susie has the best explanation I’ve ever seen for why Philadelphia sports fans are most demanding on their teams.

You should understand: This city is old. Not old like a redwood forest, but old in the sense that people of great purpose and vision have gathered here for a long, long time. We’re surrounded by reminders of people who did extraordinary things, people like Ben Franklin, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson. We have standards.

So we get a little touchy when our sports heroes don’t live up to our traditions. After all, we’ve seen all the greats.

I wonder if Franklin thought Santa Claus was a bum.

While I haven’t been watching the national presidential polls closely I have been keeping an eye them for individual states. As the cycle rolled on I’ve seen states that have a long history of voting republican beginning to move towards the Democrats. It’s a remarkable feeling given where we were during previous elections.

Twice I’ve been surprised and upset by the outcomes. In 2000 a friend and I walked to our polling location in Seattle with a Gore victory in hand following the declaration of Florida as his. All hell had broken loose by the time we returned to our homes. In 2004 I finished a day of working in the 43rd LD for the Washington Democratic Party feeling that my candidate would keep the bush legacy mercifully short. Alas by 8PM it was apparent the unthinkable had happened again, bush was elected. Both evenings were painful, 2004 by far being the worse.

I don’t want to revisit the disappointment and disbelief of those nights again. So it is with trepidation that I look over the map from Pollster.com that shows Virginia for Obama, Ohio leaning to Obama and Georgia and North Carolina in play. Georgia and North Carolina are shown in play, that’s amazing. I didn’t think I would ever see those two states in play in a presidential election. Anxiety aside my favorite is that Arizona’s support of it’s favorite son has softened to leaning republican. Could you imagine the total repudiation of both McCain and bush if Arizona went to Obama? Be still my heart.

Someone I know reminds me he is superstitious and so won’t allow himself to believe that Obama has this locked up, but I’ll bet he has small moments of joy. Those moments when a smile comes over your face despite your best efforts and hope is more than a placard carried to a rally. Me, I’m cautiously optimistic remembering the last two election nights, but smiling just the same.

Following the conviction of Ted Stevens for corruption, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin said she may name herself to his Senate seat. While talking with reporters on the campaign trail Palin let slip that she might name herself to the position. Pressed for clarification she denied it, but then relented. “Why yes I’d consider it, you betcha. If you’re not a member of the Washington elite some think you’re unqualified and I want to look like I have a record of achievement, like I’m qualified. Just think of all those bills I could cosponsor, all that pork and the subway, Todd would love the subway.” Reminded that Stevens has not been reelected nor has anyone called for his removal Palin said, “So?”

The Governor was asked if she thought it might be unethical to name herself to the Senate. “No way,” she responded, “I’ve got all these killer outfits and not using them, well, that’s unethical.” And what of the McCain-Palin ticket, would she feel disloyal naming herself to a Senate seat? “Let’s face it this is turning into a blowout. No, I’d get what’s best for America; my own really cool office, junkets to Canada and free rides in tanks. If that makes me a diva so be it. Besides, I don’t want to be buried in this landslide, no sirree, not me.” Asked how she could justify abandoning her party in it’s time of need Palin smiled and said, “It’s a mavericky kinda thing ya know.”

Pressed on the legality of such a move the governor’s spokesman Red Sleigh said, “I don’t know. I’ll have to check with Todd and get back to you.”

Fox TV announces that Divador Enterprises will produce a prime time special for airing Monday November 3rd. Executive producer Donna Bouffe describes the two hour show as a celebration of the human voice. “We’re very proud that ‘Sing Like a Fat Lady’ will be seen across America. What better way to celebrate the vocal prowess of large women then to share the best of them and let America elect the winner. It’ll be a pleasingly plump experience.” Voting will be by call in and text messaging. Bouffe expects a large audience and robust voting, “We’ve lined up some heavyweight talent.”

There are reports of resistance from the news division who say calling the election on Monday may be premature. A program executive quoted anonymously said, “Who are we kidding? McCain is toast and they know it. ABC wanted it but was committed to a 20/20 special ‘Hockey, unAmerican or all American?’ When it was brought to us we jumped on it. It’s quite a coup. Tina Fey has expressed an interest in hosting, but we’re just talking at this point.”