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This is poised to continue as long as the uncertainty and disputes continue. Today I've come to the conclusion that it is more important to get someone elected, rather than who gets elected.
I’ve been strongly outspoken against the antics of the Gore camp. My opinion is that the use of the so called confusing ballot is irresponsible and is so unjust that it is a willful effort to subvert the process. This is resulting in long term damage to our country and the world markets and economy.
With that said, I'm changing my stance somewhat based on the latest news. My support of Bush is unchanged, but my desire to get the country back on track is equally strong. The disruption to the economy and the stock market could do long term damage if this drags on very long. If a speedy resolution is somehow found, the damage may be minimal. While I'm a strong Bush supporter, I'm an even stronger supporter of the US and hope that this simply gets resolved, either way.
The tactics the democrats are using are deplorable. The threat of using the so called confusing ballot as a legal issue to drag this out, is truly outrageous and I feel strongly that the use of this ploy is severely irresponsible.
On the other hand, I've crunched some numbers and it looks to me that the hand count will show that Gore did have more votes. Clearly if they hand count the ballots in heavily democratic areas Gore will pick up quite a few votes. Probably enough to put him in the lead. Next, Bush will be forced to ask that ALL counties be counted by hand. This turns it into an absolute toss up again.
If Gore wins Florida on the hand count Bush might be forced to ask for re-counts in Iowa, Oregon and Wisconsin. All states that Gore won by an extremely narrow margin. New Mexico would also be re-counted as it is now a narrow victory for Bush.
If it gets to this point, I think Bush might actually end up doing the noble thing, conceding, before the recounts actually take place. He would look honorable and set himself up for the 2004 election. Gore would get very little done over the next 4 years and might well be blamed for the coming recession. This whole dispute is increasing the likelihood of a hard landing and a fairly serious recession. Gore and the democrats won't get many new supporters if the unemployment rate rises and the economy suffers for a few years. It would be a shame if Bush was in office at that time and unfairly took the blame. It would also be a shame if Bush was not elected and could not move the country in the direction that he intends. However, I think it's better for the country to get this over with. Still pulling for Bush with my heart and soul, but I'm pulling for a speedy resolution as well.
Dave |
