Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
Thanks to Tuesday’s NiemanLab email for highlighting The New York Times’ “Calm Place” webpage.
The Times “wants to preface your Election Night panic with some Election Day Zen,” the email says.
“Elections are happening. This is not about them,” the headline reads, followed by a GIF of wind blowing through tall grass.
As you scroll down, you’ll be directed to put on some headphones and listen to over four minutes of nature sounds while you do some breathing exercises.
Lower down on the page, there’s another GIF of oranges falling into water (don’t ask), and a virtual “emotional support dog.” Scratch him!
Still feeling stressed? Here’s its advice: “Close Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.”
But wait: There’s more. Check it out here … while you still have time before 8 p.m. Eastern, 7 p.m. Central.
Evening Reads
“On Election Day, remember three who sacrificed their lives” via Julie Hauserman of The Florida Phoenix
“The New York Times election needles is back. With a few new safety features” via Joe Pompeo of Vanity Fair
“Donald Trump begins midterm Election Day bracing for grim political news, aides say” via Michael D. Shear and Maggie Haberman of The New York Times
“One way or the other, Rick Scott and Bill Nelson will make history Tuesday” via Steve Bousquet of the Tampa Bay Times
“Andrew Gillum: Victory ‘will send a message to Mr. Trump’” via Michael Moline of Florida Politics
“Red Tide Politics: It’s the environment, stupid.” via Jacob Ogles of Florida Politics
“‘Economy’: Why Ron DeSantis used Trump for his closing argument” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
“Trust those polls? Look at their accuracy in prior Florida elections” via Adam Smith of the Tampa Bay Times
“Loaded with data and whiz-bang effects, maps are the real stars of election-night TV” via Michael Grynbaum and John Koblin of The New York Times
“Voter turnout reported heavy in Broward and Palm Beach counties, both vital to Democrats’ hopes” David Fleshler and Brittany Wallman of the Sun Sentinel
“As counties place polls in gated communities, Florida voters are left out” via Daniel Rivero of WLRN
“Whodunit? Election Day numbers a mystery in blue strongholds” via Drew Wilson of Florida Politics
“‘What’s one less?’ Nonvoters could have the biggest say of all.” via Marc Fisher and Kristine Phillips of The Washington Post
“‘Vote shaming’ messages are everywhere, and people are getting annoyed” via Antonia Noori Farzan of The Washington Post
“State says Election Day starts smoothly” via News Service of Florida
“Jeff Vinik on transportation referendum: ‘We expect to win today’” via Ashley Gurbal Kritzer of the Tampa Bay Business Journal
“South St. Pete polling place has Election Day glitch” via Janelle Irwin of Florida Politics
“Voter intimidation at this Pasco County precinct” via Zach Sampson of the Tampa Bay Times
“Teachers can’t politic, so why do Miami school marquees say ‘#362 for Teachers’?” via Colleen Wright of the Tampa Bay Times
“Pastor’s sign outside Florida polling place warns not to vote for Democrats and then praise Jesus” via Zachary Sampson and Justin Trombly of the Tampa Bay Times
Quote of the Day
“Your vote could very well save the majority. I know we are all counting on you to go out and vote today.” — Don Gaetz, former Florida Senate President, in a GOTV email for his son, GOP Panhandle Congressman Matt Gaetz.
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Wake Up Early?
Assuming the night goes late, everyone has Last Call’s permission to sleep in tomorrow morning.
