2008 Predictions

05-16-2008, 01:03 AM

OK, cheating by starting in mid-May: Barack Obama will get the Democratic nomination, after Hillary squeezes the last closeup moment she'll ever get until the last primary. See remarks steering supporters away from McCain. The Dems will greatly increase their margins in Congress in the November elections. Veto-proof is iffy, but an increase towards cloture in the Senate is possible. Retail gas will easily bust through $4, perhaps reaching near $5 in the fall. Consumer distress will become a major issue (as credit runs out). A major dollar retreat could occur in the fall. I've been wrong about market indexes having major declines (30%+), but many scandals are still out there. This has been such a wacky weather year, the hurricanes might FINALLY show up. Flooding in the interior of the CONUS will be a major issue. Bridge and other infrastructure failures are possible. We've already had an earthquake scare. All that is certain is that the infrastructure is weak. It won't take much. McCain and Obama will go down to the wire. Expect a very long night. Too close to call, at this time. More confessionals/apologias will start appearing, as military officers/politicians need to cash out, while they still have some shock value (see: Sanchez). Iraq will remain a mess, but the Iranians will hold off (or try to) major ops until the new POTUS is inaugurated. Same for the rest of the ME. Too tired for more, tonight. Wally.