NOTHING, NOTHING, NOTHING – AT 8:18 A.M. ET:  It is election day, the day we've looked forward to since...the last election day.  And nothing is happening.  Nothing, nothing, nothing.  If you don't believe me, go to The Politico and read all the warmed-over nothing stories. 

It's waiting time.  Maybe there'll be some last-minute polls, but they're not up yet.  We wait for the returns.  While we wait, these are things we want to observe:  1) turnout.  How large is the turnout compared with past midterms?  Where is that turnout?  Who is coming to vote?  2) tone.  Is there a tone to those on the voting lines?  Anger?  Enthusiasm?  3) weather.  Are there weather patterns in some areas that might affect critical elections?  There is "Democratic" weather and "Republican" weather, depending on the area.  4) Voter fraud.  Don't be shocked if the charges start to fly.  Watch for fraud charges involving new, digital voting machines.  5)  Family reunions.  If you're in Chicago, be warmed and moved by the number of dearly departed relatives who show up at the polls to show they're still interested.

November 2, 2010