Interesting map.
The first thing I find noteworthy is the Gore support in TX, in the southernmost counties along the border with Mexico. I'm not familiar with border patrol policies in the State even though its a Federal issue. But it seems, perhaps, Gore people chose to capitalize upon disenchanted Mexican immigrants who aren't participating in the Texas economy and are "disenfranchised."
The second thing I find noteworthy of the map is the State of Delaware, which went for Gore, but does not appear to show one Gore county. I'm sure all Gore had to do was take the popular vote in Wilmington, DL, where most likely more than 50% of the State's population resides. Presumptively, Wilmington, and the county that it represents, is too small to show "Gore blue" on the map.
I could go on, but I won't. But what's most telling by this map is the narrow base, not by population centers, but geographic areas, Gore's political power represents. IMHO, a Gore presidency would be a test to the balance of powers existent between the legislative and executive branches of the Federal government. Given that the Senate is more reflective of states' powers, and the House more reflective of populous powers, a Gore administration cannot help but have an extremely difficult task gaining much support in the Senate, let alone the House where Gore's populous base is 51% at best. At least Clinton scored strongly across both rural and urban areas.
The founding fathers knew what they were doing when they established a House of Representatives and a Senate, as well as an electoral college vested with the right to vote directly for the president. It is indisputable that Gore represents a warped will of the people that is at the antithesis of states' powers.
Its too bad that Gore will not quit while he's ahead, politically that is, not electorally. He fails to realize how much damage he has done to his political capital by choosing to "fight" the election results by tactics typical of big machine city politics (i.e. Bill Daley). Unfortunately, with each day that this election remains "unfinished" his political capital dwindles, not only for himself, but for all Democrats, now and in the future. By the time this whole thing is over, it is possible that Al Gore's political career will be over -- and it should be. Such a man, IMHO, is unfit to hold high office. |
