Anxiety about the political future has become common in rural Republican areas in Texas and much of the energy belt that stretches north through Oklahoma all the way to the Dakotas. These places prospered under George W. Bush, and even when residents didn't agree with him, at least they were confident the former oilman and Texas governor knew their concerns.
He knew THEIR concerns? Of course he did.
Cal Jillson, a professor of political science at Southern Methodist University, says voters feel uneasy now that the electoral map tilts blue: "They know the pendulum has swung in the other direction and they're standing there in the deep red," she said
Welcome to the world of the swinging pendulum.
Or as Mr. Willis puts it, "It's common knowledge that the very liberal side of the Democratic party is not going to have this part of the world's interests at heart."
Is there a possibility that this just isn't true? I see Obama as an intelligent gent. Perhaps there's room for all the world's interests in his administration.
Still, after finishing a game of gin rummy on Wednesday morning at the Smoke House Family Restaurant, Mr. Courson said, "I'm willing to give Obama a chance. I didn't vote for him, but that's the way it goes."
That would be me!
Some of the other 7:30 a.m. regulars at the restaurant are not so willing. "Everything that Obama stands for or that he knows is corruption,"
Why corruption...just curious...BT? can you answer this one?
Texas politics are already changing, in part because of an influx of Hispanics and college graduates who are more likely to vote Democratic. "Rapid demographic change leads to political change faster than you might think," says Ruy Teixeira, a demographer for several liberal think tanks, who argues that even Texas will eventually turn blue.
As is the state of New Mexico. Frankly, I see a new view of the world ...and if it doesn't work out...get out the pendulum.
When the party sponsored a booth at the annual town festival, "a lot of people walked by like this," she says, shielding her face with her hand. "I'm not kidding."
Now, that would be Texas for ya.