What's happening with Prop. 8?

The polling is really astonishing in recent days.  Support for Prop. 8 has gone from a fifteen point deficit to a five point lead in a month.  Supporters have vastly outraised and outspent the No side.

All I've seen is the ad Mocking SF Mayor Newsome and the California Supreme Court.  It's really quite effective.  And
the Mormons have really organized; this could even reduce Obama's
margin in the state.

But I think there are also some other considerations:

1.  Yes, the progressive community got really complacent by all those summer polls showing the No on 8 leading by double digits.
We underestimated the right wing's ability to mobilize, even in such a blue state such as California.  The yes side vastly outraised the No side (by about $6-10 million), and out organized
the No side also.  I haven't seen a single No ad or even a single
No on 8 bumper sticker.  Maybe I'm looking through the lens of Republican northern San Diego County (where I live) but all I've seen are Yes on 8 stickers.

2.  This election will have (I think) an increased turnout of Latino voters.  They are more likely to be opposed to gay marriage.  

3.  Are a majority of Californians really willing to accept gay marriage?  Usually on propositions, it's the yes side that tends to lose support as the election draws closer.  But with this gay marriage amendment, no is yes and yes is no.  So by voting no, a voter is voting yes to gay marriage.

Since support for No on 8 has dropped about 9%, the pessimist in me says 8 passes 53-47.  I hope the tide can be turned, but it's going to be hard.



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Re: What's happening with Prop. 8? (none / 0)

I was incredibly saddened when I saw those poll results today.  I guess I became complacent on this one as well.

Just donated to the No on 8 campaign today and will see if I can donate more later this week.


Jim Martin for Senate!
by markjay on Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 12:26:17 AM EST

Re: What's happening with Prop. 8? (none / 0)

Here in Butte County, we are getting absolutely bombarded with Yes on 8 ads.  Most are the exact same ad, with Newsome saying "like it or not, blah blah" and then some scare tactics about people being sued for being against gay marriage.  They use identical ads for both TV and radio, and in both formats they are airing damn near nonstop.  With the proposition polling so low, I'm guessing progressives got totally complacent with this issue.

The good news is we've got almost a month to fire back.


And so, may evil beware and may good dress warmly and eat lots of fresh vegetables.
by thatpurplestuff on Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 12:40:23 AM EST
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Re: What's happening with Prop. 8? (none / 0)

Thanks for the motivation.  I just donated a second time.


Jim Martin for Senate!
by markjay on Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 05:14:08 AM EST
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Re: What's happening with Prop. 8? (none / 0)

In my mind, this is the second most important thing on any ballot this november behind electing Obama. Come on California! You gotta do better. Defeat this hate bill.


by Democrat in Chicago on Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 01:19:59 AM EST

Re: What's happening with Prop. 8? (none / 0)

I see "No on 8" ads on TV all the time -- and I don't think we even need them that badly in my more liberal part of the state. Are they not playing those TV ads down there? I also see a good number of NO bumper stickers and yard signs.

Sounds like it's time to get more active. There's a sizable gay community in the city of San Diego, what are they doing?  Get some stickers and yard signs and start distributing them yourself. Write letters to the Editor to all of your local papers to raise awareness. But don't expect miracles in your neck of the woods -- you are living in the world of former military and Republicans.


by LakersFan on Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 01:56:41 PM EST

Re: What's happening with Prop. 8? (none / 0)

I and my wife are working on an ad for no on Prop. 8...I know there's a way you can buy ads on TV that's been mentioned several times on different blogs, but can't remember the URL. Anyone here know?


by argghh on Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 02:54:46 PM EST

Re: What's happening with Prop. 8? (none / 0)

check out saysme.tv.


It's all about McCain/Bush now...
by thereisnospoon on Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 03:10:40 PM EST
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Re: What's happening with Prop. 8? (none / 0)

Local cable advertising can be fairly inexpensive. Contact your cable operator. (Unfortunately, it means giving the evil cable companies MORE money.)


by LakersFan on Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 03:32:08 PM EST
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