Think Kerry Is Not Involved In This Fight? Think Again.
 

http://www.moderateindependent.com/v2i21election.htm


NOVEMBER 10, 2004 ? When Senator John Kerry (D-MA) talked about how his policy would be different in Iraq, he kept saying, in effect, ?It?s the how, stupid.? He said repeatedly he would fight a ?smarter? war.

Flash forward to today. Following the election, there was a problem apparent. The exit polling didn't match the ballot count, and many reasons for that began to become apparent.

John Kerry was faced with three options. One, fight on publicly rather than conceding and put the nation into a media frenzied limbo. Two, concede and go on with his life, turning his back on his promise to his supporters to ensure that ?every vote will be counted.?

Most people are assuming that John Kerry opted for the second of these while John Edwards, his runningmate, opted for the first, and since Kerry was the big dog, he won out. But people who think this are thinking in Bush terms, all or nothing, either you are for the war or against it, that either Senator Kerry was for recounting the votes or he was against it.

The reality is, John Kerry has chosen a third, much smarter course ? just as he said he would all along.

John Kerry realized that to launch a public campaign calling the vote into question would be disastrous. In fact, he likely realized he would we walking right into a Bush-set booby trap.

In particular, during our election coverage we talked about the pending battle of Fallujah, about the timing of it being an election ploy, about how it was following in the constant Bush pattern of creating a media event to sway the election, as he did last time by making the run up to the Iraq invasion come to a head exactly on election week.

Well, the battle in Fallujah began hitting the media hard in the week before the election, right on cue. Of course it was billed as the solution, the battle that ? if you just keep Bush in office ? will wipe out those insurgence and solve the problems over there. This was yet another obvious use of our nation?s troops by President Bush as if they were campaign volunteers rather than non-partisan volunteers to defend our nation.

But Fallujah, it turns out, seems to be even more than that. Fallujah, in effect, was the get away care for an election heist.

Following the fiasco in Florida in 2000, Gore was able to battle on for 30 days to try and get a fair accounting. All the while, the Bush camp claimed he should just stop and give up because his delaying of what they were saying was the inevitable end was threatening the nation?s security and stability. They said the stock market was suffering, the nation was unstable, and so Gore should just give up and accept the result as is.

This time, John Kerry had made clear he was prepared to fight 100 times as hard and long as Gore did if necessary. In fact, he had solicited fund just for that eventuality so he could battle all over the nation if necessary to ensure that every vote was properly counted.

Enter Fallujah. As we know ? and saw on election night, as Bush?s people began calling Networks and demanding they call Ohio for their camp ? the Bush team?s strategy was to try and force all questions to be closed ASAP. Last time, they weren?t prepared for that part. This time, they were.

Picture if John Kerry had chosen to call the election into question. Immediately, the Bush camp would talk about how 50,000 of our troops are just about to launch the biggest military operation since the invasion of Baghdad. And, just a couple of days after the election, it was launched.

You can imagine the arguments from the Bushies: ?How could Senator Kerry undermine our security while our troops are in the midst of battle.? Fallujah was to be the pressure point that would, if not stop Kerry from uncovering all the dirt and getting a fair election count, would at least tarnish his name with much of the nation and, as importantly, create something for the right-wing dominated media to hammer away at him on, making it seem as if he is only caring about himself and not the nation.

It was quite a well-crafted plan. Completely amoral, but smart.

Unfortunately for them, John Kerry was smarter.

As Ken Olbermann of MSNBC, who has been about the only mainstream journalist to actually follow up on the many serious problems with regard to the integrity of the election, has pointed out, a concession speech, in effect, means nothing. It is not legally binding.

So, if you were thinking like a Bush goon, you would expect that either Kerry would stand up to the mischief that went on, not conceding in the meantime, and so your booby trap would work perfectly, or that he would just give up and let it go, as wimpy Democrats are prone to do.

But John Kerry chose a smarter course. Ask yourself the question, what if John Kerry were to do both, concede publicly but, at the same time, look into every instance of mischief, and see if in fact the election was fair or fixed.

This would be a no lose situation for him. The booby trap set up for him would become irrelevant, as he would have done the right thing for the nation, not putting it into turmoil while its troops are in battle.

But at the same time, he is still just as free to look into any voting irregularities as he would have been had he not conceded. Even better, he could do it without the press going insane and the nation being kept on tension-creating edge. All of the lawyers he could have sent to look into things still could be sent to look into things, and if the election is truly called into question, he could then, with ample justification so as to make it legitimate, come out publicly and retract his concession. It is the prosecutor, also one of Kerry?s previous jobs, who knows well enough to thoroughly prepare and investigate his case be leveling charges. You may have a real hunch that someone is responsible for a murder, but until you believe you can win that case in court, you do not make the allegation.

This is called fighting smart. And the Bushies, in the same way they failed to plan for the subtleties of doing battle in Iraq, haven?t even caught on yet that this is what is occurring, that they are, in fact, being outflanked and attacked after being tricked into looking the other way.

And just in case you don?t quite believe John Kerry is on the case, and instead think he just turned out to be a wimp who didn?t live up to his word, take a look at this letter from his brother, released privately to his supporters:

CAM KERRY'S LETTER

I am grateful to the many people who have contacted me to express their deep concern about questions of miscounting, fraud, vote suppression, and other problems on election day, especially in Florida and Ohio. Their concern reflects how much people care about the outcome of this election. I want to you to know we are not ignoring it. Election protection lawyers are still on the job in Ohio and Florida and in DC making sure all the votes are counted accurately. I have been conferring with lawyers involved and have made them aware of the information and concerns people have given me. Even if the facts don't provide a basis to change the outcome, the information will inform the continuing effort to protect the integrity of our elections. If you have specific factual information about voting problems that could be helpful to the lawyers doing their job, please send it to (e-mail removed for the story) rather than to me. The election protection effort has been important to me personally, and I am proud of the 17,000 lawyers around the country who helped. It's obvious that we have a way to go still, but their efforts helped make a difference. Their work goes on. Thank you, Cam Kerry

Interesting

Talk about beating a dead Dog. He lost yesterday ,today, and tomorrow. Why don't you follow your sides advice and move_on.com.

All persons regardless of political affiliation should call for the end of paperless voting machines.

Why would you not want voting irregularities investigated? We aren't talking about just a few incidents.

it sucks being shaken out of fantasy land, doesn't it?:1orglaugh

Sorry John Kerry...

Aint gonna happen there is no trail to the voting heist.

Your money is better spent in an effort to impeach Bush for Treason and War Crimes.:glugglug
Which is a much better and more easier "Case".

Could prolly throw in Racketeering also.

Oh yeah it would be a good idea to get em for Fraud.

Whats the law regarding bankrupting America?
Bush technically overspent already with his first term.

I wonder how bad Bush would be fighting this if this was the other way around.

Whats the Laws regarding...

Favoritism shown to old friends without regard for their qualifications, as in political appointments to office.

Ahh yeah thats it...

Its called Cronyism.

Odd how people from the south have no problem with voter fraud.

Bush is so fucken stupid even the new AG he lookin at mentioned it is possible that Bush could be put on trial for War Crimes!

So I guess Mr. Gonzales will be off the plate unless of course...

Mr. Gonzales has been paid off.

So we may as well get Bush for Bribery also.

The whole thing is a good read until you get to the part about the private letter released, and then the above is the kicker.

If you have info that can help send it to....

I wish to hell that Kerry had won. He was the better of the two idiots running, but it is over folks. and nothing will change that,

Indeed its over...
People should just accept the fact that Democracy died on Nov 3 2004.:glugglug

Maybe it died Nov 3 2000!

So forget about it...

Nothing you can do.

You may well be right, except in 2000 the election was on Nov. 7 so it died on Nov. 8, or whatever day it was the Supreme Court killed it.

over? maybe not

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...r_041111153145

:)

Nader calls for US election recounts

2 hours, 56 minutes ago

Add to My Yahoo! U.S. National - AFP

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Ralph Nader (news - web sites), an independent presidential candidate this year, has called for recounts of November 2 voting results saying that amid allegations of irregularities, he wanted to ensure that every ballot was counted.

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Nader, who this year drew about one percent of the vote nationally, told a press conference Wednesday he was speaking out for the "thousands" of US voters asking for recounts and not on his own behalf.

"Over 2,000 citizens including voting rights advocates are urging in writing the Nader Camejo campaign to help make sure every vote is counted and counted accurately. The Nader Camejo campaign does not view the election to be over merely because concession speeches, which have no legal effect, have been given. Rather they are over when every vote is counted and legally certified," Nader said.

He urged recounts particularly in the hotly disputed states of Ohio and Florida, which went to Bush, New Hampshire which went to Kerry, and North Carolina, which went to Bush.

Nader highlighted irregularities including one reported earlier in an Ohio polling station where 638 voters cast ballots but results showed 4,258 voted for Bush, and 260 for Kerry.

"Striking inconsistencies exist between the vote as reported on the AccuVote Diebold Machines and exit polls and voting trends in New Hampshire. These irregularities in the reported vote count favor president George W. Bush by five to 15 percent over what was expected.

"Problems in these electronic voting machines and optical scanners are being reported in machines in a variety of states," Nader added.

All you democrats need to lighten up on the shrooms and acid you are dropping. Halucinations can be dangerous if experienced for long periods of time.

All your allegations of a conspiracy are nothing but mere fabrications and rumors all in an effort to start a frenzy.

Guess what? It isn't working and Bush is our President for the next four years.

All of this is great because it means now people are investigating the electoral system and might be able to do something about fixing it.

But it is not going to change the results of this election, believe me I would be the happiest person on earth if it did.

John Kerry is doing what Al Gore failed to do, stand up to the Right wing of this country and insist that their election practices will be changed by doing something about it.

Idiot.

Let's just hope he finds some solid proof

Nice argument TOOL...LOL

Yep. Its starting to happen:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6460869/

Kerry lawyers scrutinize voting in Ohio

The Associated Press
Updated: 11:37 a.m. ET Nov. 11, 2004

CLEVELAND - Lawyers from John Kerry?s presidential campaign are scrutinizing the results of voting in Ohio, but the campaign said the effort is not aimed at changing the outcome of the election.

"While the outcome of the election is not in doubt, no one cares more about voting irregularities than John Kerry and John Edwards,? Kerry campaign spokesman David Wade said in describing what he called a ?fact-finding mission? in Ohio. ?They remain committed to their pledge that every vote be counted, that's why they built an unprecedented 17,000 lawyer voter protection team to ensure that every American's rights are protected."

Officials in Ohio?s 88 counties are still checking 155,337 provisional ballots to ensure they are valid, and then counting them in a process that is expected to take another week or more. The hotly contested state?s 20 electoral votes gave President Bush the cushion he needed to win re-election.

Bush leads by 136,000 votes
With Bush leading the Democratic presidential nominee Kerry by more than 136,000 votes in the pivotal state in unofficial returns, it would be practically impossible for provisional ballots to change the outcome.

But Kerry?s lawyers say they want to identify any voting problems and put to rest any doubts about the legitimacy of the Ohio vote. To do that they?ll ask election officials about the number of absentee and provisional ballots and if there were any reports of equipment malfunctions.

For the first time this year all states were required to use provisional ballots when voters said they were properly registered but their names weren?t on the rolls.

Judging from past elections, most provisional ballots will be valid, and the total will more or less reflect the overall vote.

Elections employees are using the names on envelopes containing the provisional ballots to determine whether people meet registration requirements, and whether they voted in the correct precinct.

Valid ballots are eventually added to each county?s vote count report, which must be approved by Democrat and Republican board members. Any disputed provisional ballots will be voted on by the members. Republican Secretary of State J. Kenneth Blackwell will break any ties.

I am truly sorry to hear that :(

it is in the interst of all americans to ensure a fair, legal, and accurate voting process.

electronic machine with no paper printout, and no means of a recount do not meet the requirements. Just because your side did or didn't win, shoudn't have any effect on your desire to ensure an honest election.

There are enough 'irregularities' in this years election to throw up some red flags. The biggest in my opinion is that nearly all of these irregularities favor Bush. If they were just accidents, you would think it would be split between both parties.

Of course it's a little suspicious that the CEO of the largest producer of electronic voting machines(Diebold) is a close personal friend and long time suporter of George Bush.


This shouldn't be drawn as a partisan issue. We all want our vote to count - that's the foundation of our goverment. Next time, it could be your vote that turned 'irregular'.


some suggested viewing if you're into the whole thing:
http://homepage.mac.com/duffyb/nobus...heater256.html
http://homepage.mac.com/duffyb/nobus...heater270.html
http://homepage.mac.com/duffyb/nobus...heater268.html

fuck bush

I don't think they get it.:1orglaugh

here here :thumbsup

bet your momma would wash your mouth out with soap, if she knew you were posting on an adult board :Graucho

Because most of the DEMS would go to jail because they do most of it. Did you hear about the riot in PA because they did not get their crack for voting for Kerry !!!!!

Holy shit you are smart for someone who masturbates 987468468168441354651 times a day...

I have a different question. Why does Alien have a Reagan quote about combating terrorism under an anarchy flag? Does he not realize that the quote goes completely against everything he always babbles about? I'd say it's some attempt at irony, but I didn't think he had that sort of higher brain function. I'm honestly curious.

all I'll say is something about this election smells funny. 48 of the the 50 states the exit polls were very accurate and correct. The only two they were wrong about is Ohio and Florida. There have been reports of errors. Like a county in Ohio where there were 600 voters and kerry got 250 votes, nader and others got 30 so bush should have gotten around 320 but he got 3000. They said it was a glitch and fixed it. There are other cases where bush got 4-5K more votes then there were registered voters.

then in florida there were many people who said they selected kerry on the computer screen, then when taken to the review screen it said bush and they had to go back and change it. After the change all is fine. A few people you could say it was just a mistake, but there were a lot of people that report this happening. Also in Florida there were 4 counties where the registered voters were 90%+ democrate and yet somehow bush won all those counties by large margins. You could expect him maybe to get some of the voters to switch but if there are 10,000 voters and 9,000 of them are registered dems somehow it seems odd that suddenly 6,000 of the dems would vote for bush.

I'm not saying that these things aren't just "glitches " in the system or that they aren't just coincendences. But I have yet to hear about a "glitch" that kerry too many votes or a "glitch" that happend on one of the state elections or ballot measures.

Something just feels funny to me.

oops double post

IF this is True,
Just think maybe all the People who did NOT go back and check!

All you have to do is switch 1% of the votes, and spread that 1% around to many voting machines, not many people would notice.

there were two people on this board that posted that this happened to them. One of them said it happened to 4 others while he was there and all 5 of them signed complaints about it happening. I read an artilcle( have to see if I can find it again ) where there were a bunch of people that called the hotline number to complain about this happening. And, yeah, like you said, even if this was just a glitch, I wonder how many it happened to that didn't catch it. if it only happend 1.5% of the time and that's the election.

that's what I'm saying. If these were legitmite errors in the system, votes would be erroneously arwarded to Kerry just as often as Bush (basic laws of probability), but that isn't the case.

It smells a little funny....funny enough I think some *independent third party* should look into it.