A point:

For everyone saying that this election was so close:

I went back and did a little research.

There were elections that were monster margins of victory — 1956 (13%), 1972(23% — that was McGovern/Nixon), 1980(10%), 1984(18% — ah, Dukakis), etc.

But the margin of victory overall frequently isn’t nearly that big.

1976: 2%
1988: 7%
1992: 6%
1996: 8% (this, by the way, was Clinton/Dole, usually described as a blowout)

2000 we all know about.

The roughly 2% margin here was definitely close, but not razor thin.

Stop looking for fraud, conspiracy, and intimidation to explain the margin of victory. While they may indeed have happened, they were not enough of a factor to make the difference.

The Dems got beat because they didn’t have people voting for them.

Remember:

Conspiracy theories let you off the hook for your own responsibility for change.

About Tony Brown

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A poet with a history in slam, lots of publications; my personal poetry and a little bit of daily life and opinions. Read the page called "About..." for the details. View all posts by Tony Brown

88 responses to “A point:

  • pelelawngoddess

    a.) Bravo!

    b.) I wish I didn’t care so much either. It would make this so much less painful. I can’t even look at a newspaper without getting a feeling of nausea and anger.

  • pelelawngoddess

    a.) Bravo!

    b.) I wish I didn’t care so much either. It would make this so much less painful. I can’t even look at a newspaper without getting a feeling of nausea and anger.

  • pelelawngoddess

    a.) Bravo!

    b.) I wish I didn’t care so much either. It would make this so much less painful. I can’t even look at a newspaper without getting a feeling of nausea and anger.

  • pelelawngoddess

    a.) Bravo!

    b.) I wish I didn’t care so much either. It would make this so much less painful. I can’t even look at a newspaper without getting a feeling of nausea and anger.

  • pelelawngoddess

    a.) Bravo!

    b.) I wish I didn’t care so much either. It would make this so much less painful. I can’t even look at a newspaper without getting a feeling of nausea and anger.

  • pelelawngoddess

    a.) Bravo!

    b.) I wish I didn’t care so much either. It would make this so much less painful. I can’t even look at a newspaper without getting a feeling of nausea and anger.

  • pelelawngoddess

    a.) Bravo!

    b.) I wish I didn’t care so much either. It would make this so much less painful. I can’t even look at a newspaper without getting a feeling of nausea and anger.

  • pelelawngoddess

    a.) Bravo!

    b.) I wish I didn’t care so much either. It would make this so much less painful. I can’t even look at a newspaper without getting a feeling of nausea and anger.

  • radioactiveart

    Because I am hurting, scared, and furious. In a way I haven’t been for ages. Probably too late, but dammmit, I don’t care anymore.

    I do not describe the 48% of the electorate who voted for Kerry as the Left. The Democratic candidate this year was a man who approved of the death penalty, opposed gay marriage, and frequently sounded more hawklike than the Republican.

    He lost for two reasons. One was the outpouring of support for “moral values”.

    The other was due entirely to the total lack of integrity of the Democratic Party to stand up for true oppostition to this protofascist trend, this theocratic mean fest.

    The Democratic Party, as far as I’m concerned, has lost its moral authority. It’s moved itself so far to the right that conservative positions are described as “centrist,” and lunacy is described as “conservative.”

    When I say I want blood, I mean it. I want there to be a shakeup, a reckoning. It will bring pain. That can’t be avoided.

    I don’t mean to sound harsh, Dawn — or mean. But right now, I’m just this side of my own brand of lunacy, and if it’s not pretty, I apologize. I may get better, I may get worse.

    But I will not stand still for it.

  • radioactiveart

    Because I am hurting, scared, and furious. In a way I haven’t been for ages. Probably too late, but dammmit, I don’t care anymore.

    I do not describe the 48% of the electorate who voted for Kerry as the Left. The Democratic candidate this year was a man who approved of the death penalty, opposed gay marriage, and frequently sounded more hawklike than the Republican.

    He lost for two reasons. One was the outpouring of support for “moral values”.

    The other was due entirely to the total lack of integrity of the Democratic Party to stand up for true oppostition to this protofascist trend, this theocratic mean fest.

    The Democratic Party, as far as I’m concerned, has lost its moral authority. It’s moved itself so far to the right that conservative positions are described as “centrist,” and lunacy is described as “conservative.”

    When I say I want blood, I mean it. I want there to be a shakeup, a reckoning. It will bring pain. That can’t be avoided.

    I don’t mean to sound harsh, Dawn — or mean. But right now, I’m just this side of my own brand of lunacy, and if it’s not pretty, I apologize. I may get better, I may get worse.

    But I will not stand still for it.

  • radioactiveart

    Because I am hurting, scared, and furious. In a way I haven’t been for ages. Probably too late, but dammmit, I don’t care anymore.

    I do not describe the 48% of the electorate who voted for Kerry as the Left. The Democratic candidate this year was a man who approved of the death penalty, opposed gay marriage, and frequently sounded more hawklike than the Republican.

    He lost for two reasons. One was the outpouring of support for “moral values”.

    The other was due entirely to the total lack of integrity of the Democratic Party to stand up for true oppostition to this protofascist trend, this theocratic mean fest.

    The Democratic Party, as far as I’m concerned, has lost its moral authority. It’s moved itself so far to the right that conservative positions are described as “centrist,” and lunacy is described as “conservative.”

    When I say I want blood, I mean it. I want there to be a shakeup, a reckoning. It will bring pain. That can’t be avoided.

    I don’t mean to sound harsh, Dawn — or mean. But right now, I’m just this side of my own brand of lunacy, and if it’s not pretty, I apologize. I may get better, I may get worse.

    But I will not stand still for it.

  • radioactiveart

    Because I am hurting, scared, and furious. In a way I haven’t been for ages. Probably too late, but dammmit, I don’t care anymore.

    I do not describe the 48% of the electorate who voted for Kerry as the Left. The Democratic candidate this year was a man who approved of the death penalty, opposed gay marriage, and frequently sounded more hawklike than the Republican.

    He lost for two reasons. One was the outpouring of support for “moral values”.

    The other was due entirely to the total lack of integrity of the Democratic Party to stand up for true oppostition to this protofascist trend, this theocratic mean fest.

    The Democratic Party, as far as I’m concerned, has lost its moral authority. It’s moved itself so far to the right that conservative positions are described as “centrist,” and lunacy is described as “conservative.”

    When I say I want blood, I mean it. I want there to be a shakeup, a reckoning. It will bring pain. That can’t be avoided.

    I don’t mean to sound harsh, Dawn — or mean. But right now, I’m just this side of my own brand of lunacy, and if it’s not pretty, I apologize. I may get better, I may get worse.

    But I will not stand still for it.

  • radioactiveart

    Because I am hurting, scared, and furious. In a way I haven’t been for ages. Probably too late, but dammmit, I don’t care anymore.

    I do not describe the 48% of the electorate who voted for Kerry as the Left. The Democratic candidate this year was a man who approved of the death penalty, opposed gay marriage, and frequently sounded more hawklike than the Republican.

    He lost for two reasons. One was the outpouring of support for “moral values”.

    The other was due entirely to the total lack of integrity of the Democratic Party to stand up for true oppostition to this protofascist trend, this theocratic mean fest.

    The Democratic Party, as far as I’m concerned, has lost its moral authority. It’s moved itself so far to the right that conservative positions are described as “centrist,” and lunacy is described as “conservative.”

    When I say I want blood, I mean it. I want there to be a shakeup, a reckoning. It will bring pain. That can’t be avoided.

    I don’t mean to sound harsh, Dawn — or mean. But right now, I’m just this side of my own brand of lunacy, and if it’s not pretty, I apologize. I may get better, I may get worse.

    But I will not stand still for it.

  • radioactiveart

    Because I am hurting, scared, and furious. In a way I haven’t been for ages. Probably too late, but dammmit, I don’t care anymore.

    I do not describe the 48% of the electorate who voted for Kerry as the Left. The Democratic candidate this year was a man who approved of the death penalty, opposed gay marriage, and frequently sounded more hawklike than the Republican.

    He lost for two reasons. One was the outpouring of support for “moral values”.

    The other was due entirely to the total lack of integrity of the Democratic Party to stand up for true oppostition to this protofascist trend, this theocratic mean fest.

    The Democratic Party, as far as I’m concerned, has lost its moral authority. It’s moved itself so far to the right that conservative positions are described as “centrist,” and lunacy is described as “conservative.”

    When I say I want blood, I mean it. I want there to be a shakeup, a reckoning. It will bring pain. That can’t be avoided.

    I don’t mean to sound harsh, Dawn — or mean. But right now, I’m just this side of my own brand of lunacy, and if it’s not pretty, I apologize. I may get better, I may get worse.

    But I will not stand still for it.

  • radioactiveart

    Because I am hurting, scared, and furious. In a way I haven’t been for ages. Probably too late, but dammmit, I don’t care anymore.

    I do not describe the 48% of the electorate who voted for Kerry as the Left. The Democratic candidate this year was a man who approved of the death penalty, opposed gay marriage, and frequently sounded more hawklike than the Republican.

    He lost for two reasons. One was the outpouring of support for “moral values”.

    The other was due entirely to the total lack of integrity of the Democratic Party to stand up for true oppostition to this protofascist trend, this theocratic mean fest.

    The Democratic Party, as far as I’m concerned, has lost its moral authority. It’s moved itself so far to the right that conservative positions are described as “centrist,” and lunacy is described as “conservative.”

    When I say I want blood, I mean it. I want there to be a shakeup, a reckoning. It will bring pain. That can’t be avoided.

    I don’t mean to sound harsh, Dawn — or mean. But right now, I’m just this side of my own brand of lunacy, and if it’s not pretty, I apologize. I may get better, I may get worse.

    But I will not stand still for it.

  • radioactiveart

    Because I am hurting, scared, and furious. In a way I haven’t been for ages. Probably too late, but dammmit, I don’t care anymore.

    I do not describe the 48% of the electorate who voted for Kerry as the Left. The Democratic candidate this year was a man who approved of the death penalty, opposed gay marriage, and frequently sounded more hawklike than the Republican.

    He lost for two reasons. One was the outpouring of support for “moral values”.

    The other was due entirely to the total lack of integrity of the Democratic Party to stand up for true oppostition to this protofascist trend, this theocratic mean fest.

    The Democratic Party, as far as I’m concerned, has lost its moral authority. It’s moved itself so far to the right that conservative positions are described as “centrist,” and lunacy is described as “conservative.”

    When I say I want blood, I mean it. I want there to be a shakeup, a reckoning. It will bring pain. That can’t be avoided.

    I don’t mean to sound harsh, Dawn — or mean. But right now, I’m just this side of my own brand of lunacy, and if it’s not pretty, I apologize. I may get better, I may get worse.

    But I will not stand still for it.

  • mom_star

    Sure it does. It understands at least 48% of the voting public. It’s not the tidal wave you seem to be describing, and it’s not the massive conspiracy others seem to think it is.

    Whyfore the biting cynicism? The mean *you pathetic, myopic losers* jabs? I am hurting, and scared.

  • mom_star

    Sure it does. It understands at least 48% of the voting public. It’s not the tidal wave you seem to be describing, and it’s not the massive conspiracy others seem to think it is.

    Whyfore the biting cynicism? The mean *you pathetic, myopic losers* jabs? I am hurting, and scared.

  • mom_star

    Sure it does. It understands at least 48% of the voting public. It’s not the tidal wave you seem to be describing, and it’s not the massive conspiracy others seem to think it is.

    Whyfore the biting cynicism? The mean *you pathetic, myopic losers* jabs? I am hurting, and scared.

  • mom_star

    Sure it does. It understands at least 48% of the voting public. It’s not the tidal wave you seem to be describing, and it’s not the massive conspiracy others seem to think it is.

    Whyfore the biting cynicism? The mean *you pathetic, myopic losers* jabs? I am hurting, and scared.

  • mom_star

    Sure it does. It understands at least 48% of the voting public. It’s not the tidal wave you seem to be describing, and it’s not the massive conspiracy others seem to think it is.

    Whyfore the biting cynicism? The mean *you pathetic, myopic losers* jabs? I am hurting, and scared.

  • mom_star

    Sure it does. It understands at least 48% of the voting public. It’s not the tidal wave you seem to be describing, and it’s not the massive conspiracy others seem to think it is.

    Whyfore the biting cynicism? The mean *you pathetic, myopic losers* jabs? I am hurting, and scared.

  • mom_star

    Sure it does. It understands at least 48% of the voting public. It’s not the tidal wave you seem to be describing, and it’s not the massive conspiracy others seem to think it is.

    Whyfore the biting cynicism? The mean *you pathetic, myopic losers* jabs? I am hurting, and scared.

  • mom_star

    Sure it does. It understands at least 48% of the voting public. It’s not the tidal wave you seem to be describing, and it’s not the massive conspiracy others seem to think it is.

    Whyfore the biting cynicism? The mean *you pathetic, myopic losers* jabs? I am hurting, and scared.

  • johnpowers

    The truth that is the Bush was a terrible leader.

    The truth of the rural areas is that Bush shared their values and was therefore great.

    Truth, lie, self-delusion, tomato, tomahto…

    I wish I didn’t care so much about any of this.

  • johnpowers

    The truth that is the Bush was a terrible leader.

    The truth of the rural areas is that Bush shared their values and was therefore great.

    Truth, lie, self-delusion, tomato, tomahto…

    I wish I didn’t care so much about any of this.

  • johnpowers

    The truth that is the Bush was a terrible leader.

    The truth of the rural areas is that Bush shared their values and was therefore great.

    Truth, lie, self-delusion, tomato, tomahto…

    I wish I didn’t care so much about any of this.

  • johnpowers

    The truth that is the Bush was a terrible leader.

    The truth of the rural areas is that Bush shared their values and was therefore great.

    Truth, lie, self-delusion, tomato, tomahto…

    I wish I didn’t care so much about any of this.

  • johnpowers

    The truth that is the Bush was a terrible leader.

    The truth of the rural areas is that Bush shared their values and was therefore great.

    Truth, lie, self-delusion, tomato, tomahto…

    I wish I didn’t care so much about any of this.

  • johnpowers

    The truth that is the Bush was a terrible leader.

    The truth of the rural areas is that Bush shared their values and was therefore great.

    Truth, lie, self-delusion, tomato, tomahto…

    I wish I didn’t care so much about any of this.

  • johnpowers

    The truth that is the Bush was a terrible leader.

    The truth of the rural areas is that Bush shared their values and was therefore great.

    Truth, lie, self-delusion, tomato, tomahto…

    I wish I didn’t care so much about any of this.

  • johnpowers

    The truth that is the Bush was a terrible leader.

    The truth of the rural areas is that Bush shared their values and was therefore great.

    Truth, lie, self-delusion, tomato, tomahto…

    I wish I didn’t care so much about any of this.

  • ablueeyedboy

    as opposed

    to the 40 some odd years of iron-clad democratic control of both the house and senate previous to the conservative rally lead by newt the great?

    Stop underdogging the left, democrates != red sox… of course if i were the superstitious kind….

    Look, the point is so much of the undertone of these discussions paints this in the colors of oppression/repression, etc. etc. etc.

    You’re right on target with your research. Screaming bloody murder doesn’t make bloody murder happen unless enough people get annoyed at the screamers….

    Put 2000 in that perspective, lol.

  • ablueeyedboy

    as opposed

    to the 40 some odd years of iron-clad democratic control of both the house and senate previous to the conservative rally lead by newt the great?

    Stop underdogging the left, democrates != red sox… of course if i were the superstitious kind….

    Look, the point is so much of the undertone of these discussions paints this in the colors of oppression/repression, etc. etc. etc.

    You’re right on target with your research. Screaming bloody murder doesn’t make bloody murder happen unless enough people get annoyed at the screamers….

    Put 2000 in that perspective, lol.

  • ablueeyedboy

    as opposed

    to the 40 some odd years of iron-clad democratic control of both the house and senate previous to the conservative rally lead by newt the great?

    Stop underdogging the left, democrates != red sox… of course if i were the superstitious kind….

    Look, the point is so much of the undertone of these discussions paints this in the colors of oppression/repression, etc. etc. etc.

    You’re right on target with your research. Screaming bloody murder doesn’t make bloody murder happen unless enough people get annoyed at the screamers….

    Put 2000 in that perspective, lol.

  • ablueeyedboy

    as opposed

    to the 40 some odd years of iron-clad democratic control of both the house and senate previous to the conservative rally lead by newt the great?

    Stop underdogging the left, democrates != red sox… of course if i were the superstitious kind….

    Look, the point is so much of the undertone of these discussions paints this in the colors of oppression/repression, etc. etc. etc.

    You’re right on target with your research. Screaming bloody murder doesn’t make bloody murder happen unless enough people get annoyed at the screamers….

    Put 2000 in that perspective, lol.

  • ablueeyedboy

    as opposed

    to the 40 some odd years of iron-clad democratic control of both the house and senate previous to the conservative rally lead by newt the great?

    Stop underdogging the left, democrates != red sox… of course if i were the superstitious kind….

    Look, the point is so much of the undertone of these discussions paints this in the colors of oppression/repression, etc. etc. etc.

    You’re right on target with your research. Screaming bloody murder doesn’t make bloody murder happen unless enough people get annoyed at the screamers….

    Put 2000 in that perspective, lol.

  • ablueeyedboy

    as opposed

    to the 40 some odd years of iron-clad democratic control of both the house and senate previous to the conservative rally lead by newt the great?

    Stop underdogging the left, democrates != red sox… of course if i were the superstitious kind….

    Look, the point is so much of the undertone of these discussions paints this in the colors of oppression/repression, etc. etc. etc.

    You’re right on target with your research. Screaming bloody murder doesn’t make bloody murder happen unless enough people get annoyed at the screamers….

    Put 2000 in that perspective, lol.

  • ablueeyedboy

    as opposed

    to the 40 some odd years of iron-clad democratic control of both the house and senate previous to the conservative rally lead by newt the great?

    Stop underdogging the left, democrates != red sox… of course if i were the superstitious kind….

    Look, the point is so much of the undertone of these discussions paints this in the colors of oppression/repression, etc. etc. etc.

    You’re right on target with your research. Screaming bloody murder doesn’t make bloody murder happen unless enough people get annoyed at the screamers….

    Put 2000 in that perspective, lol.

  • ablueeyedboy

    as opposed

    to the 40 some odd years of iron-clad democratic control of both the house and senate previous to the conservative rally lead by newt the great?

    Stop underdogging the left, democrates != red sox… of course if i were the superstitious kind….

    Look, the point is so much of the undertone of these discussions paints this in the colors of oppression/repression, etc. etc. etc.

    You’re right on target with your research. Screaming bloody murder doesn’t make bloody murder happen unless enough people get annoyed at the screamers….

    Put 2000 in that perspective, lol.

  • radioactiveart

    What truth do you mean, John? I actually think the Left is as prone to self-delusion as the Right — they just have more weapons to enforce their version.

  • radioactiveart

    What truth do you mean, John? I actually think the Left is as prone to self-delusion as the Right — they just have more weapons to enforce their version.

  • radioactiveart

    What truth do you mean, John? I actually think the Left is as prone to self-delusion as the Right — they just have more weapons to enforce their version.

  • radioactiveart

    What truth do you mean, John? I actually think the Left is as prone to self-delusion as the Right — they just have more weapons to enforce their version.

  • radioactiveart

    What truth do you mean, John? I actually think the Left is as prone to self-delusion as the Right — they just have more weapons to enforce their version.

  • radioactiveart

    What truth do you mean, John? I actually think the Left is as prone to self-delusion as the Right — they just have more weapons to enforce their version.

  • radioactiveart

    What truth do you mean, John? I actually think the Left is as prone to self-delusion as the Right — they just have more weapons to enforce their version.

  • radioactiveart

    What truth do you mean, John? I actually think the Left is as prone to self-delusion as the Right — they just have more weapons to enforce their version.

  • johnpowers

    The lesson is that while we know that we on the ‘left’ know the truth, never ever assume that anyone else does – no matter how easy it is to find out that truth.

    The vast majority of America will never ever read a blog.

  • johnpowers

    The lesson is that while we know that we on the ‘left’ know the truth, never ever assume that anyone else does – no matter how easy it is to find out that truth.

    The vast majority of America will never ever read a blog.

  • johnpowers

    The lesson is that while we know that we on the ‘left’ know the truth, never ever assume that anyone else does – no matter how easy it is to find out that truth.

    The vast majority of America will never ever read a blog.

  • johnpowers

    The lesson is that while we know that we on the ‘left’ know the truth, never ever assume that anyone else does – no matter how easy it is to find out that truth.

    The vast majority of America will never ever read a blog.

  • johnpowers

    The lesson is that while we know that we on the ‘left’ know the truth, never ever assume that anyone else does – no matter how easy it is to find out that truth.

    The vast majority of America will never ever read a blog.

  • johnpowers

    The lesson is that while we know that we on the ‘left’ know the truth, never ever assume that anyone else does – no matter how easy it is to find out that truth.

    The vast majority of America will never ever read a blog.

  • johnpowers

    The lesson is that while we know that we on the ‘left’ know the truth, never ever assume that anyone else does – no matter how easy it is to find out that truth.

    The vast majority of America will never ever read a blog.

  • johnpowers

    The lesson is that while we know that we on the ‘left’ know the truth, never ever assume that anyone else does – no matter how easy it is to find out that truth.

    The vast majority of America will never ever read a blog.

  • radioactiveart

    No, I haven’t.

    But I knew for months that this one was in the Republican bag. I just saw too many signs that pointed to it. Just the fact that the red states had gained 10 more electoral votes in the last 4 years helped.

    The left does not understand this country.

  • radioactiveart

    No, I haven’t.

    But I knew for months that this one was in the Republican bag. I just saw too many signs that pointed to it. Just the fact that the red states had gained 10 more electoral votes in the last 4 years helped.

    The left does not understand this country.

  • radioactiveart

    No, I haven’t.

    But I knew for months that this one was in the Republican bag. I just saw too many signs that pointed to it. Just the fact that the red states had gained 10 more electoral votes in the last 4 years helped.

    The left does not understand this country.

  • radioactiveart

    No, I haven’t.

    But I knew for months that this one was in the Republican bag. I just saw too many signs that pointed to it. Just the fact that the red states had gained 10 more electoral votes in the last 4 years helped.

    The left does not understand this country.

  • radioactiveart

    No, I haven’t.

    But I knew for months that this one was in the Republican bag. I just saw too many signs that pointed to it. Just the fact that the red states had gained 10 more electoral votes in the last 4 years helped.

    The left does not understand this country.

  • radioactiveart

    No, I haven’t.

    But I knew for months that this one was in the Republican bag. I just saw too many signs that pointed to it. Just the fact that the red states had gained 10 more electoral votes in the last 4 years helped.

    The left does not understand this country.

  • radioactiveart

    No, I haven’t.

    But I knew for months that this one was in the Republican bag. I just saw too many signs that pointed to it. Just the fact that the red states had gained 10 more electoral votes in the last 4 years helped.

    The left does not understand this country.

  • radioactiveart

    No, I haven’t.

    But I knew for months that this one was in the Republican bag. I just saw too many signs that pointed to it. Just the fact that the red states had gained 10 more electoral votes in the last 4 years helped.

    The left does not understand this country.

  • postmaudlin

    i’m not so sure. have you read palast?

  • postmaudlin

    i’m not so sure. have you read palast?

  • postmaudlin

    i’m not so sure. have you read palast?

  • postmaudlin

    i’m not so sure. have you read palast?

  • postmaudlin

    i’m not so sure. have you read palast?

  • postmaudlin

    i’m not so sure. have you read palast?

  • postmaudlin

    i’m not so sure. have you read palast?

  • postmaudlin

    i’m not so sure. have you read palast?

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