George Washington Bridge

They say New Jersey has been put into play since the Republican National Convention. While I'm somewhat more inclined to agree with a New Republic writer's assessment that President Bush's foray in the Garden State — including today's speech — is a "head-fake" designed to draw Democratic resources from battleground states to safe states, these developments dovetail with my own best-case Election Day scenario. From a recent letter:

Bush wins with 53 percent of the vote after an eastern state upset tilts the whole picture. Mass hysteria on the left ensues. Geraldine Ferraro shaves her head in protest.


Maybe the Metroliner Effect, the profound shattering of Tri-State myths about Republicans, the right and President Bush, will prevail. Even if it does, the East Coast has its old school.


Celebrating my grandfather's birthday at his and my grandmother's house is my Great Aunt Toni: spry and sharp, a delightful Joan Rivers-soundalike who has lived in Flushing for nearly forty years, the City all her life. Speaking to my father over the phone last weekend, she asked about me and my sister getting along in life, so my father told Toni that I'm currently the president of my local Republican organization. Which led to the following exchange:

AUNT TONI: (beat) Michael's a Republican?

DAD: Well, sure, Aunt Toni; so am I.

AUNT TONI: (beat) You're a Republican?

DAD: Yes, Aunt Toni.

AUNT TONI: Oh, that's all right. I don't vote anyway.


We love you, Aunt Toni.

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