John Mellencamp for Senate?

Oh, the wonders of the internet! Over 3,500 people have joined the ever-growing Facebook group "Draft John Mellencamp for Senate," hoping that the musician will replace Indiana Democratic Senator Evan Bayh (who is not seeking re-election). Mellencamp, who is from Indiana, has showed interest in politics over the years, including writing numerous politically-charged songs, founding Farm Aid, and making many statements in open distaste for the Republican Party. He even refused to allow John McCain to use his music during the 2008 election. Of course, Mellencamp is lacking in experience, but in this "the year of the amateur" (according to the L.A Times's Patrick Goldstein) combined with growing internet support, this might not be that much of an issue. Plus, people like Brent Budowski of "The Hill" claim that Mellencamp is "one of the great advocates of small-town America," which some might believe is enough for the rock star to make it all the way to the Senate.

Has Porn Star's Senate Bid Hit Stormy Waters?

Porn Star Stormy Daniels, (real name: Stephanie Clifford age 30) was arrested July 25 2009 for alleged domestic abuse towards her husband validating the claim by millions of men in America that in fact women do abuse their husbands. Miss Clifford was handcuffed, transported to Hillsborough County jail (Florida) and released on $1000 bond after the incident.

It appears Stephanie Clifford's bid for a U.S. Senate seat in the State of Louisiana as a Republican has hit stormy waters.

The question now is will this arrest run her campaign aground? If being a porn actress was not enough for people to question her credentials and ability to be a State Senator, one has to question if alleged abuse towards her husband of two years will have any impact at all with the voters of Florida.

Her husband reported that Stephanie Clifford hit him several times after an argument. She admitted to throwing a number of broken objects which the arresting officer noted upon arrival at her residence in Tampa.

Allegedly the argument was one sided in that her husband Michael’s father came by the marital home earlier in the day and as

a favor, did some laundry and folded it. Clifford became upset about the way the clothes were folded and became more upset when she found some bills that not been paid. After throwing objects she then struck her husband about the head with her hands and fists. According to Clifford her husband held keys to the car over his head and she doesn't remember striking him
in an effort to obtain them. The police report indicated Clifford was both angry and crying.

Clifford seemed keen on how to handle her arrest by denying she hit her husband and after refusing to write her own statement during the arrest stating to the arresting officer, “my lawyer told me never sign any papers and since I am paying him a lot of money I will not sign it”. It as at this time the arrest was made as there were no apparent marks on Clifford's husband.

Clifford is currently in the early stages of challenging incumbent Senator David Vitter as she feels she is on more righteous ground. Vitter recently admitted to patronizing a prostitution ring resulting in Clifford's campaign slogan:

Stormy Daniels: Screwing People Honestly.

It’s not the first time an adult porn star actress has thrown their hat in the political ring. In fact, Ilona Staller (a.k.a. Cicciolina) was elected to Italy’s parliament in 1987. Other notable but losing efforts were waged by: Porn stars Mary Carey ran for California Governor in 2003. Mimi Miyagi ran for Nevada Governor in 2006. Milly D-Abbraccio ran for Rome’s City Hall as recently as 2008.

PCM's (cynical) Look at Possible Election Results

It's been often said that history is bound to repeat itself. This is true for the election, so let's take a look at what's gonna happen this election...

The Youth Vote
Every election is supposed to have a monumental participation by young voters. This is true. The Obama campaign has used the younger generation to canvas our phones, mailboxes and shopping centers with paraphernalia. He's made the best use of the active young voters to get out the message, but will they vote for him?

Young voters could really cost Obama the election. Yes they're active, as they always have been in the past, but for some reason they don't like to finish. 18-25 year-olds have had the worst voter turnout since the history of the American vote. So while Obama's lead can be strengthened by young voters, it doesn't matter if they don't vote. Speaking of not voting that brings me to my next point...

No One Votes
It's true: since 1968 voter turnout has drastically decreased. In 2000, 49 percent of people eligable to vote cast their ballots in the election. When you break that down futher women vote more then men and old people vote more than the young - specifically 55-65 year-old voters. So, what does that mean? If you don't get out there the fate of the election is in the hands of 55-65 year-old women.

Why is this such a problem? In recent weeks Obama has gained ground in most states. Unfortunately, many think that means that their candidate has already won, neglecting the fact that they actually have to cast their vote for the results to reflect the poles. So what happens? The clueless don't vote and those that do - 55-65 year-olds, who are most likely McCain supporters are the only one's that vote - win the election for McCain.

Long Court Battle
If there's one thing 2000 taught us it's that no one likes to lose. Provided that results are close and Obama comes out with a small victory, we're bound to see another prolonged legal battle. It may even outlast McCain. Do you have to explain that joke Sen. Kerry?

In 2000 many ballots were not counted or just thrown out, so how can you tell in a close battle? Remember, Bush won Florida by under 600 votes. If it's close I foresee counting until fingers bleed leading to a colossal legal battle. Which leads to the next scenario.

No One Wins
Yes, it's possible. Baring a 269-tie, the decision will go to the House of Representatives. Unfortunately the House has a problem. The Constitution stipulates that a candidates needs a majority, but each state only gets 1 vote. Well what happens if a mixed constituency state can't reach an agreement? Abstained vote, which leads to a no-majority scenario. If they don't choose before January 20, then there's no president. But...

The senate has to choose the vice-president, so if there is no decision in the house whoever wins the VP in the senate becomes the next president. Not likely to happen but... still plausible. Now here's the worst case scenario.

The President-Elect Dies
McCain is old. Obama has had numerous attempts on his life. What if they die? The Constitution has a plan of succession for when the president dies, but not when the president-elect dies. We'd be in lawsuits until the 2012 election.

But hopefully we'll have a normal election that goes to plan. The youth will vote, the polls won't lie, there will be no tie, no recounts or lawsuits. Yeah right! I wouldn't be surprised if the results are totally out in left field and something I didn't think of happens. We will see tomorrow.

Stop The Celeb Endorsements, Says Underwood!

Carrie Underwood is not on the celeb-politics bandwagon. No, no, no. The country singer doesn't like what superstars endorse political candidates. She's got some pretty strong feelings about when fellow celebs declare themselves for McCain or Obama. Can you blame her? Or, do you think, what's the real harm in a celeb endorsement? Can they help or hurt a candidate? Here's what Underwood had to say:

“There is someone I do support, but I don’t support publicly. I lose all respect for celebrities when they back a candidate. It’s saying that the American public isn’t smart enough to make their own decisions. I would never want anybody to vote for anything or anybody just because I told them to.”

“Music is where you go to get away from all the BS. Whether it’s from politics or just the world around you, music should be an escape.”

Let's all just stick to taking a Louisville Slugger to both headlights...

1 Day Left

FRIENDLY REMINDER: Only 1 more day left until Election Day, friends! Start stretching your fingers and get your thinking caps on! Get ready to exercise your American right to vote!

We don't care if you're a Republican or a Democrat, JUST GO VOTE! We think this is going to be a huge turnout and we hope that everyone is scheduling around their day tomorrow to head to the polls. We are ready here at PCM, are you?

Thomas Haden Church Is... Joe Six Pack

See more Thomas Haden Church videos at Funny or Die

In the spirit of the upcoming election, it's time for another political satire video! Joe Six Pack (actor Thomas Haden Church) takes on his blue collar rival, Joe the Plumber. Our friends at FunnyorDie.com are making some great videos these days. If you are interested in more of Thomas Haden Church, check out the movie, "Smart People," which is out on DVD now co-starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Dennis Quaid. Very good!

Former senator Jesse Helms passed away

Former senator Jesse Helms, 86, passed away at 1:15 a.m. July 4 at Wingate University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Former chief of staff Jimmy Broughton said he died of natural causes.

"Today we lost a Senator whose stature in Congress had few equals," Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky said in a statement. "Senator Jesse Helms was a leading voice and courageous champion for the many causes he believed in."

The Republican first won a seat in the Senate in 1972, and he continued to serve until 2002, when he decided not to run for a sixth term.

His tendency to block nominations and legislation earned him the nickname "Senator No."

When the GOP had Senate majority, Helms often served as chairman of the Agriculture Committee, using his position to protect North Carolina tobacco growers and other farmers. He also chaired Foreign Relations Committees at times, and became known for his strong opposition to communism.

He is also remembered for his divisive views, particularly regarding racial politics and homosexuality.

Helms' health had been declining for several years, as he suffered from prostate cancer, heart problems and a bone disorder. Near the end of his Senate tenure, he relied on a motorized scooter to traverse the Capitol.

In April 2006, he entered a convalescent home due to vascular dementia, which led to repeated minor strokes that damaged his brain.

In an August 2005 e-mail interview with The Associated Press, coinciding with the publication of his memoir, he said he hoped future generations' understanding and opinion of him "will be based on the truth and not the deliberate inaccuracies those who disagreed with me took such delight in repeating."

According to the website of The Jesse Helms Center, details on funeral arrangements are still pending. He is survived by his wife, Dot, and their three children and seven grandchildren.