Report w/polls still open

Unquestionably the most dynamic turnout we've seen in our part of the universe (Oklahoma) in the 30 years since our first day of election coverage. Impressive lines all day long at several of the precincts we've checked. Phone calls coming in to make sure we've voted (love this new GOTV system). The only downside is stumbling across those ugly troll exit polls that this new "consortium" is attempting to inflict on America. (Badly skewed samples, unreliable results and questionable interpretations. Ignore the exit polls. The only thing that counts is the actual vote.)

We voted this morning after Mass, numbers 472 and 475 in our precinct. Those are incredible numbers for only two hours in. The lines were long but moved quickly. Oklahoma has a great system of electronic voting machines. It's hard to understand the problems other states are having: they should duplicate our system. It works great. Eldest daughter voted after school -- at 18 her first presidential election, and is she excited -- and was No. 1336. Wow.

Monitoring several web sites, Fox News, and an ear to the radio. (Right now Sean Hannity is talking to the Vice President, who as usual sounds calm, reminds us that 537 votes was the razor thin margin last time so nothing will surprise them this time.)

Election returns from Kentucky show a healthy lead for Bush-Cheney with about 43% of the vote in. That's no surprise, and that's reassuring. Despite all the insider details, the confidence of GOP operatives at the highest level, and a genuine belief on our part that Bush deserves to be re-elected, the subconscious keeps raising the specter of "what if" there is a major groundswell of hatred and pique against the president? The "what ifs" can drive you crazy, especially when you see this election as absolutely crucial to the future health of the Republic.

Ah, the first returns from Florida are encouraging (but obviously inconclusive). Let's keep it up. Ditto South Carolina, although we don't expect any real problems there.

If you read this before your polls close, go vote now.