Miami Herald columnist Carl Hiaasen offers an Election Day prayer for the Sunshine State, writing: “Deliver us from scandal, Lord. Let our optical-scanners perform flawlessly. Let the trucks that carry our precious ballot boxes not be hijacked and later abandoned behind a strip joint, and let those who count those ballots be pure of character and pretty good with math. Most of all, Lord, let there be no need for lawyers. But if, in Your infinite wisdom, You see a need to test the faith of this great country with another electoral crisis, please consider doing it in Virginia or Ohio, or maybe North Carolina. God, anywhere but here. Amen.”
Meanwhile, Politico notes another lucky break for Barack Obama, should push come to shove over counting votes: Democrats now fill the secretaries of state jobs in the battlegrounds of Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico and Ohio.
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One nice thing here is that by all accounts we have an election commissioner who will give us a straight count. Even if there are problems tomorrow I think they will tend to be put to technical details and not ‘crookedness’
Chad won’t be in Florida on election day, but I’m sure “Reed” abd “Mark” will be around to befuddle the Florida voters.
Ben your Mr. Gore got the vote he asked for. The problem was he lost that one too. So it had to go to the supremes to see if the criteria should change. Algore simply outsmarted himself. If he had asked to recount the entire state the outcome might have been different. Probably not though because an independent count done by the media showed that Bush won the state on actual votes.
And then there’s this:
—–
Falsified registrations become votes
After ACORN, the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, complained the raid was a “stunt” designed to hinder its efforts at minority registration, Larry Lomax, the chief elections officer in Las Vegas, responded that the group’s claims it had extensive quality controls to catch fraudulent registrations were “pathetic.” He noted that ACORN had hired 59 inmates from a work-release program at a nearby prison and that some inmates who had been convicted of identity theft had been made supervisors. That led some local wags to joke that at least ACORN was hiring specialists to do their work.
ACORN’s second line of defense has been that fraudulent registrations can’t turn into fraudulent votes, as if the felony of polluting voter lists was somehow not all that serious. But that defense goes only a short distance. “How would you know if people using fake names had cast votes in states without strict ID laws?” says GOP Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita, who this year won a major Supreme Court case upholding his state’s photo identification law. “It’s almost impossible to detect and once the fraudulent voter leaves the precinct or casts an absentee ballot, that vote is thrown in with other secret ballots there’s no way to trace it.”
Anita MonCrief, an ACORN whistle-blower who worked for both it and its Project Vote registration affiliate from 2005 until early this year, agrees. “It’s ludicrous to say that fake registrations can’t become fraudulent votes,” she told me. “I assure you that if you can get them on the rolls you can get them to vote, especially using absentee ballots.” MonCrief, a 29-year old University of Alabama graduate who wanted to become part of the civil rights movement, worked as a strategic consultant for ACORN as well as a development associate with Project Vote and sat in on meetings with the national staffs of both groups. She has given me documents that back up many of her statements, including one that indicates that the goal of ACORN’s New Mexico affiliate was that only 40 percent of its submitted registrations had to be valid.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/1108/15189.html
—–
Given that Obama comes out of the legendarily crooked Daley machine, why are we surprised by any of this?
Looks like it’ll be a short election night.
Clues to election result could come early
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Digg Facebook Newsvine del.icio.us Reddit StumbleUpon Technorati Yahoo! Bookmarks Print By John Whitesides, Political Correspondent John Whitesides, Political Correspondent – Mon Nov 3, 3:39 am ET
Featured Topics: John McCain Barack Obama Play Video CNN – Obama holds lead
Play Video Video: Knack for Picking a Winner ABC News Play Video Video: McCain presses in Pa. as campaign winds down AP Reuters – Republican presidential nominee Senator John McCain (R-AZ) (L) and Democratic presidential nominee Senator … WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Some of the earliest returns in Tuesday’s U.S. presidential election could provide big clues about the outcome.
Trends in the race between Democrat Barack Obama and Republican John McCain could become clear soon after the first polls begin to close at 6 p.m. EST in Indiana.
Obama and McCain are locked in a surprisingly tight duel in Indiana, a Midwestern state that has voted Republican in every White House race since 1964. A breakthrough win for Obama, or even a neck-and-neck struggle, would be an encouraging sign of broad strength for the senator from neighboring Illinois.
But if McCain appears to be cruising to a relatively easy win in Indiana it could signal trouble for Obama, who is challenging McCain in about a dozen states won in 2004 by Republican President George W. Bush.
The first public sign of Democrat John Kerry’s loss in 2004 came from a worse-than-expected 20-point blowout in Indiana.
“If Obama wins Indiana, the election is over,” Democratic consultant Doug Schoen said. “Even if it’s close, within 2 or 3 points, it probably suggests a big Obama win nationally. If it’s more than 4 points for McCain, it’s going to be wait and see for a while.”
The next round of tests is at 7 p.m. EST when voting ends in Georgia, parts of Florida and the battleground state of Virginia — another place where Democrats have not won a presidential vote since 1964 but have made gains in recent statewide races.
At least now we know why one party fights against voter ID so much…it “disenfranchises” illegal voters!
I heard a young Obama supporter telling me how great he was because she wouldn’t have to worry about putting gas in her car or how to pay her bills anymore.
Wow….just, wow
I was thinking about heading down to Florida, bringing the “Twister” game to the polling places where lots of Seniors will be voting to keep them occupied. :D
Phantom – I don’t get off until a bit after 7PM (Cantral) so will probably have a pretty short night. Then my attention will turn to Sedgwick County races.
AE – the guy is obviosly an idiot or is putting you on. I suspect the latter.
To finish his prayer. Oh smite down the army of republican operatives and staffers that will descend down upon us.
bth
Posted November 3, 2008 at 2:06 pm | Permalink
AE – the guy is obviosly an idiot or is putting you on. I suspect the latter.
________________________________________________
It was on the Glen Beck Radio show.
I do suspect the idiot theory though.
Anyone who is concerned can volunteer at Video the Vote. Americans can take back our country. We can help ensure each eligible voter gets one vote.
————
Sign up to Video the Vote and join a growing network of Americans working together to monitor and improve our election systems. We are concerned citizens, amateur videographers, voting rights activists, and filmmakers united by a commitment to strengthening democracy through citizen oversight. And we need your help:
* Videographers – Get dispatched to cover problems in your area or go out and document on your own.
* Dispatchers – Monitor the national voter hotlines and then send out videographers to get the stories.
* Drivers – Help videographers get to where they’re going.
* Uploaders/tech support – Make sure volunteer videos get online and to the media as fast as possible.
* Bloggers – Review volunteer footage and spread the word about the best clips.
Sign up above to help ensure that the full story of Election Day gets told. And once you do, please spread the word.
http://www.videothevote.org/volunteer
It will never be as easy to steal elections when Americans are alert and involved.
And if Florida can’t get it right can we organize one of those organizations that promote succeeding from the union and force it on them. Joking. kinda.
Linkie poo to the freeloader AE is refering to…
Glenn Beck: Coming nanny state evidence
http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/17587/
“Austrian_Economist
Posted November 3, 2008 at 2:00 pm | Permalink
I heard”
I took your words to mean that you had heard it. Sounds to me now like someone spoofing a right-wing radio host … or perhaps Beck made it up.
VOICE: It was the most memorable time of my life. It was a touching moment.
VOICE: Why?
VOICE: Because I never thought this day would ever happen. I won’t have to work on putting gas on my car, I won’t have to work on paying my mortgage. You know, if I help him, he’s going to help me.
DEFINITELY a spoof.
Sounds like one of any number of WEBlog posters attempts at satire. I’ve read almost identical words right here.
If McCain wins can I start a “bank” and get a billion-dollar check?
Here is a link to the video. Go to the end after Beck is done interviewing B.J. Lawson:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpEZvFazaRc
It is not a spoof. Some Americans are this uneducated.
bth
Posted November 3, 2008 at 3:35 pm | Permalink
If McCain wins can I start a “bank” and get a billion-dollar check?
_______________________________________________
You can do it if Obama wins. He also supported the bailout.
It will never be as easy to steal elections when Americans are alert and involved.
That’s what many of us said in 2004, and look what happened.
GMC70,
Got anything more than guilt (not that ACORN actually *IS* guilty of anything, mind you) by association behind your rather flaccid attempt at character assassination? Thought not.
If I didn’t know better, GMC70, I’d say you have something against allowing low-income voters and African-Americans to vote. And I’d be right.
“Americans can take back our country..”
Rather dramatic, wouldn’t you say? Who has the country if it is not “Americans”? Or, are you saying that anyone you disagree with is not an American?
And…how did these ‘non-Americans’ “take” the country in the first place?
Ahhhh..political rhetoric.
“And…how did these ‘non-Americans’ “take” the country in the first place?
Ahhhh..political rhetoric.”
Like Palin saying people who disagree with her are not “real Americans”
Raptor, you’re either with us or against us! You should know that.
I just want to know who “they” are that have “taken America” and where they took it?
I mean, since Linda wrote about ‘taking back America”, who took it?
The same people took it, that has driven it into the ground.
Raptor, I wouldn’t have an answer that would please you, so why don’t you tell me what you need to hear and save us all the suspense. Or maybe all you needed was to criticize me and now that you’ve done that you feel better or superior or at least relieved that I’ve been put in my place.
If any American has been denied a vote (and that has been proven to happen in past elections) or if any voter fraud is being perpetrated there is a problem that isn’t being addressed by those who should be addressing it. Americans should be aware, should be involved and should expect to help ensure that each eligible voter gets one vote. That would be taking America back to me.
I mean, since Linda wrote about ‘taking back America”, who took it?
================================================
To the willfully ignorant, the extreme right wing of the Republican party that has been cause so much heart ache the last eight years or so.
This has been a public service annocement.
thanks for the annocement
I think I have a rash now.
FU Regular, never made a typo?
#
libdave
Posted November 3, 2008 at 7:15 pm | Permalink
FU Regular, never made a typo?
—————
Same to ya and the horse you rode in on. :D
I’d like to take America back from the right wing political pundits who spread propaganda, exaggerations, distortions, and outright lies. I find it disheartening that so many Americans buy into the rhetoric and spin and don’t bother to research the issues, they merely parrot right wing propaganda they read on the internet, listen to on talk radio, or watch on Faux TV. It’s sad that so many choose to make their political choices based on ignorance, fear, and hatred. There is “swiftboating” on both sides…but it is much more prevelent among the conservatives and fundamentalists. This is a big reason why they are losing the election, because most Americans are smarter than that and we are sick of it.
ahhh,…thank you , dave, for clarifying that you consider anyone who you disagree with as not being an American.
free speech is no longer allowed…libDave has made it clear that it is un-American to disagree with him.
Raptor,
Well, back to playing the victim, and you didn’t even have to see McCain lose an election to assume your natural role.
Get ready, folks: the Wingnuts are just getting started on their paroxysms of victimization at the hands of us evil liberals. After having their way for eight years of abusing the Constitution and their fellow Americans, now that the shoe is on the other foot, there’ll be no end of the whining, resentment, and victimology.
Raptor,
Nice job of twisting what I said, in my first post I only pointed out the obvious mean of Lindas post. Nothing was said about “not being an American” And at no point did I say you had to agree with me, or that you don’t have a right to your opinion. Linda said we are going to take American back, and I just clarified who we are taking it back from. Liberals are not in the business of questioning if you are a patriot, or a “true american”. That is the game of the Right Wing.
You can a role in governing, Raptor–in fact you should.
Your long-standing discomfort with religious dominionism in government will be needed, assuming you haven’t completely sold your soul to defending Sarah Palin.
Take America back…
to what???
As usual, duh Libs think they have all the answers, but they just can’t seem to figure out what the questions are.
(chortles)
to what???
To “a nation of laws, instead of men.” Greedy, lying, brutal, power-mad, criminally-liable men, at that.
I repeat:
I’d like to take America back from the right wing political pundits who spread propaganda, exaggerations, distortions, and outright lies. I find it disheartening that so many Americans buy into the rhetoric and spin and don’t bother to research the issues, they merely parrot right wing propaganda they read on the internet, listen to on talk radio, or watch on Faux TV. It’s sad that so many choose to make their political choices based on ignorance, fear, and hatred. There is “swiftboating” on both sides…but it is much more prevelent among the conservatives and fundamentalists. This is a big reason why they are losing the election, because most Americans are smarter than that and we are sick of it.
That’s where I want to take America back to, a country where people explore the issues, think for themselves, and make choices based on their values…not on lies and distortions from political pundits.
Naw, you’re sick of it, because the socialistic Liberals got their asses kicked two elections in a row.
And, just look how Pelosi delivered on all of her promises from the 2006 election.
Too bad duh Libs take themselves so seriously, they don’t recognize their own B.S. when they utter it.
:D
libdave,
Exactly. With the total ideological collapse that they’re facing, the likes of Raptor have nothing to cling to except red herrings, victimology, and obfuscation. And cling they do.
And now you’re getting your ass kicked, huh Reg? :D
My red herring looks rather grand next the wall mounted talking bass I have.
Mary_Caruso
Posted November 3, 2008 at 8:36 pm | Permalink
And now you’re getting your ass kicked, huh Reg?
———————————
It ain’t over till it’s over.
If the McCain/Palin ticket doesn’t win tomorrow, life goes on.
I just hope that Osama Obama doesn’t ruin this country with his ‘pie in the sky’ ideas.
Obama won’t be able to deliver on his campaign promises. You do realize that don’t you?
Seems the republicans have brought us to the brink of socialism by encouraging the greed to run amuck. McCain is mostly interested in keeping his rich friends rich and the poor in their place.
It’s time for a new attitude…instead of “trickle down”, the average American has been “tinkled on” by the policys of the Republican party.
God, you’re such a negative person. I’d rather buy into the hope than into the fear, Reg. I like being an optimist…it pays off a little better than always viewing the glass as half empty.
Come Wednesday…I’ll be doin’ the happy dance!
I’m with you Mary, much better to have hope for a brighter future and work towards it, than to mutter under your breath in the dark, as to what should have been.
#
Mary_Caruso
Posted November 3, 2008 at 8:45 pm | Permalink
God, you’re such a negative person. I’d rather buy into the hope than into the fear, Reg. I like being an optimist…it pays off a little better than always viewing the glass as half empty.
—————————-
I’m always optimistic and at the same time a realist.
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you
Jesus, Reg…like YOU live those values? Don’t make me laugh!!!!
Even if Obama can’t deliver on half of his promises, at least he’s willing to try. He has the intelligence, the insight, and the right attitude…and attitude counts more than experience.
Love it when the most vile, nasty, negative, and rude people on this blog start quoting Bible verses…I find that so funny.
Just one question, Reg….WWJD? LOL!
Mary_Caruso
Posted November 3, 2008 at 8:58 pm | Permalink
Love it when the most vile, nasty, negative, and rude people on this blog start quoting Bible verses…I find that so funny.
Just one question, Reg
—————————-
Sorry you were offended by the Bible verse.
What I find remarkable if I had said to you what you said to others, especially Nathan, I would classify that as rude and unacceptable.
But hey, hypocrisy is the strong suit of duh Libs.
I’ve had my fun for this evening…Good nite. I’ll be sure to include you in my prayers, Reg.
“Even if Obama can’t deliver on half of his promises, at least he’s willing to try. He has the intelligence, the insight, and the right attitude…and attitude counts more than experience.”
Oh Mary, come on….Obama is a damn liar, and not a very good one at that, lying to get elected by people that seem to have no economic sense. They are just a bunch of incredibly ignorant people thinking they can catch a free ride. Stupid!
“Sorry you were offended by the Bible verse”.
No, it’s you, not the Bible verse, that offends me, and I’m sure that’s your goal. Good night.
PS Nathan has called me everything except a white woman…he deserves no respect in my eyes.
That’s it.
PSS Funny how Reg sounds SO much like Hank!
Things that make you go ummmmm….
Politics is like a pendulum, Bush blew it, and it appears the Democrats are going to have carte blanche for the next four years. Expectations are high and if they do good, the Republicans are going to have to re-define the party to gain back what they have lost. If the Democrats blow it, the pendulum will swing back the other way and the Republicans will come back strong. Either way, life goes on and we will all still be part of the greatest country in the world.
I dunno, Sam…It will take more than 4 years to forget about how bad thinsg got in the last 8. It will take more than 4 years to turn this mess around, and it will require a lifestyle sacrifice from all of us…something Americans don’t do very well.
I’m hopeful, though.
Flori-duh?? Coming from a bass ackwards state like Kansass that considers a John Deere the family vehicle that’s funny. And ironic.
From CF
If I didn’t know better, GMC70, I’d say you have something against allowing low-income voters and African-Americans to vote. And I’d be right.
—-
Nope. You’d be wrong. Again. And you’d still be an ass.
And still playing the race card, I see, while shilling for the party of Jim Crow.
It’s just like you to condemn cheating (or attempts at it) when it hurts your side, and endorse it when it is an attempt to help your side. No hypocricy there, huh?
Why should I expect any different? I don’t.
“the party of Jim Crow.”
Jim Crow used to be a “Dixiecrat” until he fianlly changed parties to the Republics.