Ok, before everybody goes bat-shit crazy, this isn't a political post. This is what's called a "horse race" post. I'm not telling anybody how to vote. I'm not arguing for or against any candidate or specific policy. I encourage everybody to get out and vote your conscious this fall. We aren't all supposed to vote the same way, anymore than we would all root for the same football team. It's how democracy works and it's way more fun than having a King boss us around. Best of luck to everybody. I wish everybody could be a winner.

However, since everybody can't win, I'm going to stick my neck out a little earlier than usual and make my "way too early prediction" for the 2016 Presidential race.

My polling methods are slightly less scientific than the brilliant Nate Silver and his website 538. (If you are into the "Horse Race" side of politics, his is the best site. Click here to check it out) Basically, I own a small coffee shop in Upper Arlington, Ohio and I listen to people. Lots of people. You may have heard of Ohio. We are the home of the World Champion Cavs and the Ohio State Football team. We are also a must win state if you want to become President of the United States of America. 

For the past two weeks, the RNC and DNC have held their conventions. People have watched & listened and I have listened to people's reactions as they have come through the coffee shop. I've identified the 4 or 5 swing voters that will tell me who is going to win. Reasonable people who could have voted either way. I nailed the last two elections with this method and I'm going for three in a row. I realize it's early and lots can change in the months ahead, but no guts, no glory.

Do I know what I am talking about? Time will tell. So on November 9th, remember you heard it here first. When that day comes you can stand slack-jawed in awe of my predictive powers or mock me at your leisure. I can't hide, I'm going on the record.

The drum roll please.........................

Trump loses Ohio. Hillary Clinton is the next President of the United States. 

Written in stone. Election over. Done deal. Permission to gamble granted. 

Colin Gawel is just some guy who owns a small coffee shop and writes for Pencilstorm. He also plays in the band Watershed. It's probably not wise to bet money on his advice.