This is NOT 2000...a little analysis

[markyj987]

I don't think we'll see the same BS that happened after the 2000 election this time. This is a different scenario altogether. In 2000, Florida was in dispute because initially Bush was only ahead by a little over 1000 votes.

Right now, Bush has a commanding lead in Ohio, and in order for Kerry to win, he'd need to win about 75% of the provisional vote.

It appears we're waiting for a tally from Ohio on how many provisional ballots were cast. Given the importance of this election and the amount of caution being taken, I will not fault them for waiting another day, as John Edwards suggested.

If it comes down to waiting longer than that, at least there's an end in sight. We will KNOW without a doubt how the provisional vote broke down in eleven days. However, I do not think it'll stretch out beyond today.

Senator Kerry and his adviors are no slouches. I believe they recognized how harmful the 2000 election was to our country, yet realistically know that it would be impossible for him to win that kind of margin of the provisional vote.

Both John Kerry and George W. Bush ran VERY effective campaigns, as did their respective grassroots organizations. Though it was a negative campaign, there was equal opportunity opponent bashing. It was highly competitive and I respect how hard BOTH men worked for our votes.

I believe that John Kerry will do the honorable thing and give a concession speech. A lot of people on the right are saying that the Republicans got a clear mandate last night--winning the Presidency and extending holds on Congress. To some degree they did, but the absolute worst thing the Republicans can do is get too high on themselves. We have SERIOUS problems in this country and John Kerry did a GREAT job of pointing many of them out.

If they rest on their laurels for the next two and four years, they'll pay dearly in 2006 and 2008. Much of what John Kerry ran on DID sound good even if it was impractical. I sincerely hope he will go back to Washington and as a U.S. Senator try to get some of his proposals through.

Al Gore was nothing more than an angry mouthpiece in my opinion, but I believe John Kerry IS a true leader despite my many disagreements with him on the issues. My sincere hope for him is that he CAN lead the Democrats to work in a bipartisan way WITH the Republicans as we go forward.

The same Republicans that run on a platform of smaller government have done the opposite over the last few years. Though I had no problem with more for the military and the creation of the Homeland Security Department, John McCain was right to point out all of the pork both sides are sending home.

Many voted for Bush parially because of his tax cuts. I'm one of those people. However, we need to be realistic. If we continue to let Congress represent their pet projects and interests, lower taxes will NOT last. We need to pressure them to really CUT spending and focus only on things that are ESSENTIAL to our future.

We can do what needs to be done without raising taxes by cutting the fat that is constantly getting signed into law. President Bush and more importantly the American people need to put the pressure on Congress to keep OUR pocketbooks in mind.

The Bush tax cut will only lead to a huge tax increase if we let our government continue to live on credit.

I urge my friends here and the American people to stay involved. When you see our leaders doing something wrong, cry FOUL! Don't just sit by and give them a pass--even if they are in your party.

It is time for us to unite as a people. Though we will never agree on everything, we have to remember that there is room in this country for all views. However, our views will NOT matter if we don't hold our elected representatives accountable for their actions--locally, statewide, or nationally.

It's been exciting here in this forum for the last year and I've appreciated the contributions you've all made to our discourse. Personally, I want to thank all of you for your passion.

I especailly want to thank all of you who voted--especially the younger folks who exercised their right to vote for the first time. It makes me proud to see how involved you are here and that you proved it by gong to the polls. Even though the youth turnout vote was disappointing overall, the hunting community is proud to boast more involvement by our youth than average.

[wtnhunt]

Re: This is NOT 2000...a little analysis

Do not think there are enough provisional votes to make a difference in the outcome even if Kerry by some odd strike of luck had all of them go his way.

He needs to concede and get it over with!

[fisherguy]

Re: This is NOT 2000...a little analysis

YOu ar right. Nobody is really claiming much improper action, and he is leading comfortably in the races that they have not called.

[markyj987]

Re: This is NOT 2000...a little analysis

Just heard a report that Bush is ahead by 136,000 and there were only 135,000 provisional ballots.

[wtnhunt]

Re: This is NOT 2000...a little analysis

[ QUOTE ]

Just heard a report that Bush is ahead by 136,000 and there were only 135,000 provisional ballots.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah heard that too, then heard earlier this morning that Kerry's people are saying that there might be as many as 250,000 provisional ballots.

After it is all said and done if by some chance 60-70 percent of those ballots were legit, Kerry woiuld have to pretty well win all of them. Just dont see it happening.

[Chrud]

Re: This is NOT 2000...a little analysis

I felt great after I voted for the first time! And, I was proud to wear my Bush/Cheney '04 sticker on Monday and Tuesday.

A lot of reporters are saying that it would be the right thing to do for Kerry to just come out and give up. I think so too. I don't think Kerry will be back in 2008 either. I see Kerry and Edwards parting ways, big time!