Contrary to right-wing proclamations, today’s Silent Majority runs independent, in the middle, far to left of the GOP. The rabid right wing, in fact, is anything but silent. Just listen to AM radio, if you must, or the Fox News propaganda machine.

No wonder they decry independent survey results that fail to support their fantasies, even while they continue to bray loudly.

(Remember, Hillary Clinton did win the popular vote for president. The Electoral College, however, is the one that counts.)

I remain concerned that in focusing so much on the surveys, the mass media introduced one more variable to the equation. In a multi-party race, if you’re assuming one candidate will win, is there a chance that entice casting a “conscience” vote elsewhere? And if so, how many would it take to sway the actual outcome?

Or, might it even have an impact if you’re assuming one candidate will lose, and if so, might enough “conscience” votes seal the deal?

In other words, it’s a case where the experiment itself might alter the results. I’d love to hear of cases in the physical sciences where this has happened. Meanwhile, back to the social sciences, I’ve long wondered about this, but the current situation magnifies the impact – and potential devastation.

Look, when Woodpecker started reporting here at the Red Barn, this election was projected to be an updated round of the Bush machine countered by the Clintons’ – and all of the unfinished business on both sides. Well, that’s not quite what’s happened, even if the underlying dynamics haven’t evaporated, nor have my concerns about the Republican party finally ripping apart. What no one anticipated the underlying grassroots anger that both Trump and Bernie Sanders tapped into, from quite divergent sides.

Sanders, let there be no mistake, was accurate in his assessment of its causes, unlike Trump and his delusional rants and endless whining.

So here we are in the thick of it, wondering and asking:

When it comes to Trump, why aren’t the crowds chanting: “Lock him up! Lock him up!” Just listen to the violence he’s urging in his speeches and look to his history. What more do you need?

Oh, Melania, how can anyone smear Donald? He does it just opening his mouth.

And now Rudy Giuliani’s saying big city elections are rigged? I’ll take that as a confession about his winning the mayor’s race in New York City – both times. Why not?

While we’re at it, just look at Trump’s other showcase political ally, Chris Christie, whose popularity as governor of New Jersey is totally tanking in the flood of testimony in the Bridgegate scandal. As if we’re surprised.

I’m still puzzled by all of the focus on Hillary’s emails, especially after all the empty witch hunts she’s endured. Anyone who knows anything about negotiating a deal is aware that you can’t put all of your cards on the table from the git-go. You have to have room to maneuver, to test the other side’s intentions and willingness to pay or play. But from what we’ve seen of Trump’s abilities there, we’d have to say they’re nil. He thinks an ultimatum is the only way to go. Take it or leave it? More and more, folks are leaving it.

Wait! Ecuador cut off Julian Assage’s Internet connection?

Ecuador?

How many folks had to look it up on a map?

Speaking of which … Maine Gov. Paul LePage has no room to complain about rigged elections. He owes his own wins to dead bears. Seriously, the rabid end of the electorate was baited. Oh, that was a sordid one based on cruelty to animals.

These things just aren’t letting up.

What about the false witness of so-called Christians who endorse untruth and those whose blatantly un-Christian actions? I’m waiting to see some real repentance there. Please!

Speaking of repentance … how dare John McCain promise that Republicans will oppose any Supreme Court nominee Clinton would present – in effect, abdicating Senate responsibility. We’re facing a Constitutional crisis if they do.

Here in New Hampshire, we’re seeing Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Maggie Hassan accused of failing to accomplish things as governor, with the implication that her Republican rival, incumbent Kelly Ayotte, would advocate them. The reality is that Ayotte’s Republicans opposed the measures in the first place. Rather than take credit for their actions, the GOP politicians blame their victim. Oh, shame! By the way, many of the expensive mailings we’re getting attacking Hassan bear the disclaimer, “not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.” Seems to me rather cowardly, especially coming from out-of-state.