[ctdonath2]

Perhaps the opposite: certain influential individuals/groups have too much to lose to not invoke riots. They're in their political prime, the opposition is weak, and now is their best time. Whether BHO wins or loses*, there won't be such ideal (to them) social strains & excuses for another 12+ years. For a subculture grown from protests & riots, their time to bloom is now - or fade forever. Career, and life, is finite; the powerful '60s-era Left is aging and see the end of their reign, and know that they must achieve their goals now or never.

The modern Left is built on a protest/riot core. They can't NOT use that to maximum effect now, because that's what they are, what they do, and there is no better day for it than November 5 2008.

* - Win: re-election in 4 years, won or lost, is a relatively non-controversial process; assuming an 8-year reign, his banner will not be rallied 'round so enthusiastically out of dull familiarity. Loss: McCain serves out 4 years, Palin follows for 8, the Left can't push a "minority" agenda against her.

[ctdonath2]

I’m scaring myself with my own posts. The totality is coming on me in waves.

Guys, for the Left this is The Big One (TM). They MUST win, by any means possible, or their best hand is played out and shuffled back into the deck, not to be seen again for a very long time. A Nov 4 loss means that line of cooperation is over, and the violent breakdown & rebuilding of society becomes their only hope. Protests, unto riots, is the only next step they know - and they’ll take that as far as they can imagine. They will destroy the villiage to, in their eyes, save it.

[TexanToTheCore]

There won’t be any riots. Step back and look at the larger picture.

[TexanToTheCore]

Riots would cost the demo party too much. It would be a long time until they were re-elected.