And how sad and cynical am I that my first thought was "Damn, I'm glad that he got to see her," followed almost immediately by "Wonder how the Republicans are going to try to spin this as some nefarious plot to win sympathy votes?".

My first thought was the same as yours, followed closely by "That can only help him."

in me me me news - I cannot get my shit together

Not only did I mess up and put the gathering with highschool friends I have not seen in 20 years down for Tomorrow after work (it was tonight), I somehow missed that mac does not have school tomorrow - Like NO NYCPublic Schools are in session and I somehow missed it.

Fail.

I think on this at least the Republicans will show respect. What else is there to do?

I wish we could assume human decency here, but we're talking about a party that showed 9/11 footage at their National Convention.

McCain has issued a statement of condolence, so at least the most basic of social standards are being observed.

Actually Vermont does have a Wal Mart, but I don't think there are very many.

I believe there are two in the whole state. Or, at least that was the stat when I was teaching at Bennington. Bennington being one of the towns that caved.

ETA: There are apparently only 4 Starbucks: 3 in Burlington, and 1 in nearby Williston, aka the home of the other Wal-Mart.

Montpelier is the only state capital that doesn't have a McDonald's. McDonald's *tried* to get in there, but Montpelier told them to fuck off. In more polite, political terms.

McCain has issued a statement of condolence

Does that count for Palin, too? Because at this point, I'm expecting her to say vile things and for McCain to actually have to lock her in a closet for all of tomorrow.

Montpelier is the only state capital that doesn't have a McDonald's. McDonald's *tried* to get in there, but Montpelier told them to fuck off.

I'm sorry, that's just wrong.

I'm so sad to hear about Obama's grandmother. I bet she tried to hang on for as long as she possibly could -- I'm actually just a little teary about it.

My first thought was the same as yours, followed closely by "That can only help him."

This is me. Because it's not like someone (not Mc, not the party officially, but someone) won't sling shit, but it hasn't exactly been a great help to them. (Witness: Dole. Plumber-comma-the. Palin's approval ratings.)

oh - forgot to say earlier - The Plumber was in my office building earlier today. Happily I did not see him, but I missed him in the lobby by only seconds.

and for McCain to actually have to lock her in a closet for all of tomorrow.

Only for tomorrow? Damn.