Predictions from David

Today we've decided to follow Denise's lead and will be running a prediction post from each Political Machine writer. The person who comes closest to guessing the number of electoral votes (538 up for grabs) each presidential candidate receives, as well as the allocation of congressional seats by party, wins a hearty pat on the back (actual prize may or may not include a hearty pat on the back).

OK. Let the blindfolded game of darts begin.

President: Barack Obama will win big. In terms of electoral votes, I see him getting 353. And that leaves McCain with 185.

Congress: Democrats won't reach the filibuster-proof 60 in the Senate. They'll get 58, giving Republicans 40. In the House, we're looking at a Democratic advantage along the lines of 266, against a total of 165 for the GOP.

Tomorrow night, we'll all remove our blindfolds and see how close we got to pining the tail on the Donkephant.