The 2004 US Election General Commentary Thread

[The Captain]

I, now more than ever, think we need to do away with the Electoral College because for one thing, we'd not have to worry about any of these recounts for electoral college votes, but rather would have a winner once all the votes are in. Granted, there can still be recounts on these votes, but I'd believe it'll occur a lot less.

Secondly, I think using just the popular vote would make even more folks come out and vote since now there really is no claim to be made about the power being taken out of the American people's hands or that their votes not counting.

Third, and finally, the Electoral College was created by our founding fathers because they feared mob rule and thought that the citizens of this country as a whole were uninformed. Now, over 200 years later, I'd like to think we are infinitely more informed and now, more than ever can figure out who we will vote for and why.

Though, if the Electoral college goes, please make spinsters go as well because they just dilute all possible discussion of facts in this country and are one of the leading causes of polarization of beliefs on both sides.

Take care all.

[MartyM]

For those who think Bush did a horrible job and think Kerry should have been elected unanimously (especially those of you who don't live in the US),

Do any of you actually know anything about what Kerry stands for?

I ask because he essentially ran with the "I'm not Bush" motto, which anyone could have done. I despise Bush just as much as anyone else, but when I looked at Kerry's stances on the actual issues, it was clear as day that I COULD NOT VOTE FOR HIM (Kerry). If the Democrats had put up a reasonably intelligent, responsible, rational human being, they could have swept this election clean. They didn't. And so they didn't.

I'm not a sheep and no, I don't think that just ANYONE could do a better job as president than Bush. When you start to think that way, you allow your vote to go to anyone who wants it - possibly the next Hitler, for example. I'm not saying that Kerry would have been that bad. I'm just saying, please, educate yourselves before you make decisions and judgments.

Respect to any supporter of either candidate who has done their research and come to conclusions in a logical manner. Shame on you if you didn't.

[Dingo Jellybean]

For those who think Bush did a horrible job and think Kerry should have been elected unanimously (especially those of you who don't live in the US),

Do any of you actually know anything about what Kerry stands for?

I ask because he essentially ran with the "I'm not Bush" motto, which anyone could have done. I despise Bush just as much as anyone else, but when I looked at Kerry's stances on the actual issues, it was clear as day that I COULD NOT VOTE FOR HIM (Kerry). If the Democrats had put up a reasonably intelligent, responsible, rational human being, they could have swept this election clean. They didn't. And so they didn't.

I'm not a sheep and no, I don't think that just ANYONE could do a better job as president than Bush. When you start to think that way, you allow your vote to go to anyone who wants it - possibly the next Hitler, for example. I'm not saying that Kerry would have been that bad. I'm just saying, please, educate yourselves before you make decisions and judgments.

Respect to any supporter of either candidate who has done their research and come to conclusions in a logical manner. Shame on you if you didn't.

That's one of the assumptions about Kerry supporters. People accuse us of being anti-Bush rather than pro-Kerry. Not true.

Yes, he flipflops...but if new facts arise and you see another alternative...why aren't you allowed to go against your old views? It beats staying on the wrong course and sticking it through. Bush just thinks he's right, he's too black and white.

If Al Gore would have ran, I think this election would have been different.

[MartyM]

^^Hey, don't take offense at my post if you have reasons beyond "he's not Bush" for supporting Kerry. I asked this question on another forum and many pro-Kerry foreigners had no IDEA what Kerry actually stood for.

Respect to any supporter of either candidate who has done their research and come to conclusions in a logical manner.

I apologize that my above post was written in a bit of a stream-of-consciousness style and therefore might be a bit hard to decipher. All I want to know is whether those with strong opinions against Bush here have actually done their homework on Kerry to decide whether he's a better candidate or not.

[Dingo Jellybean]

^^Hey, don't take offense at my post if you have reasons beyond "he's not Bush" for supporting Kerry. I asked this question on another forum and many pro-Kerry foreigners had no IDEA what Kerry actually stood for.



I apologize that my above post was written in a bit of a stream-of-consciousness style and therefore might be a bit hard to decipher. All I want to know is whether those with strong opinions against Bush here have actually done their homework on Kerry to decide whether he's a better candidate or not.

I have done my research on Kerry...I support his views on gay marriage, stem cell research, and abortion.

For example, Bush does not tolerate abortion whatsoever. Kerry only tolerates it on 2 conditions: In cases of rape, and when the mother's life is in danger.

Stem cell, Bush heavily is against this as he is pro-life. Kerry supports this because, like me, the illnesses of today to be cured are critical if stem cell research is allowed.

Gay marriage. Bush wants to ban it completely. Kerry wants each state's judicial system to determine if it's fair or not.

I support everything that Kerry is for, and with that I'm pro-Kerry...more so than anti-Bush.

[Agent Proto]

For example, Bush does not tolerate abortion whatsoever. Kerry only tolerates it on 2 conditions: In cases of rape, and when the mother's life is in danger.

No that's completely wrong. Kerry is Pro-Choice, and Bush is the one that can tolerate it in cases of rape and when the mother's life is in danger, even though he's mostly against it.

[Dingo Jellybean]

No that's completely wrong. Kerry is Pro-Choice, and Bush is the one that can tolerate it in cases of rape and when the mother's life is in danger, even though he's mostly against it.

No, Kerry stated this in his presidential debates. He made it specifically clear on this issue.

[nik0tine]

I agreed with a few things Kerry said, whereas I disagreed with EVERY stance Bush had. Kerry probably would not have been a good president, but at least he had a few issues that were right.

[Miriel]

John Kerry on abortion during the 3rd presidential debates:

I believe that choice is a woman's choice. It's between a woman, God and her doctor.

Definitely sounds pro-choice to me.

[Endless]

Gay marriage. Bush wants to ban it completely. Kerry wants each state's judicial system to determine if it's fair or not..

For the record, a number of states were asked about a ban on gay marriages, and 11 states voted for a ban. It means the people of 11 states are against gay marriage, regardless of what the federal state favors. Why should a judge (or a panel of judges) decide what people want? Isn't that something the people of each state should decide?

[Shadow Nexus]

Isn't that something the people of each state should decide?

Actually, I believe that on the issues of gay marriage, the only ones to be asked are the homosexuals.

[Wuggly Blight]

Just a note: Anyone who continues along the lines of "All Americans are morons" is getting banned from this forum. If you can't remain civil, you'll be shown the door. Thanks.

I think its fair the same rules apply to all countries.

[Dingo Jellybean]

Actually, I believe that on the issues of gay marriage, the only ones to be asked are the homosexuals.

I agree with that too...but unfortunately the bulk of the midwest and south despises gays like the plague.

[fire_of_avalon]

I think its fair the same rules apply to all countries.

I agree, of course... but no one else has been calling any one but Americans morons.

[Fuzakeru]

A few people I know were going to vote for Kerry until they found out he about him being Pro-Choice ( I'll go ahead and call it that because that what is sounds like to me ) and at the last moment changed their vote to Bush.

As for the "Don't Call Each Other Stupid," rule that had to be reannounced in here - It's pretty sad in my opinion that we must resort to that sort of thing. I voted for who I felt more comfortable with as President and regardless of if you voted for Bush or Kerry you shouldn't be put down for it. To be honest, I'm extremely tired of being called a moron because I voted for Bush.