Hi Carl - you sez "It seems pointless to argue over which bad thing is worse."
I total agree, and honestly, I ve tried to avoid doing that in this context, even though learning constructively from history is quite desirable. I guess I got baited into it <VBG> when Gov Bush's proxies start saying something like Jesse Jackson did the same thing so on and so forth. Still, this is no excuse for me to propagate the vicious circle of did-not and did-too :)!
I thought most of the action by the FL courts, especially that of the SC, were quite predictable unless one has decided the FL courts are politically inspired.
#1, even Mr Boies acknowledged it was a long shot. The Gore camp did so b/c the clock is ticking. However, it cannot see the FLSC would jeopardize the proper channel.
#2 not sure why you insist repeating the high moral ground issue, but AFAIK, revote is simply not constitutional, and quite improbable at this stage of the game, especially when there is no overwhelming evidence of wholesale fraud. I don't think we need to go beyond that. Incidentally, is the butterfly ballot case brought by voters, not the Gore camp?
#3 I heard about it last nite. The Seminole County may have surprised people of its staying power. I see the second one a copycat. However, obviously, the second one needs substantiation. Beyond substantiation, I tend to agree the remedy of throwing all the ballots is too severe a measure.
#4 I suppose Gov Bush is entitled for verifications. I just hope this is not a concerted effort to drag this to Dec 12th. I think if there is a sudden dead situation and the FL legislature ends up doing it has threatened to do with the special session, there is a chance it will incur such a backlash that FL GOP will suffer for a long time. If that happens, even Gov Jeb Bush's governorship may be in trouble, even if he has a lot more political options [especially if Gov Bush becomes the President.]
#5 I share your puzzlement
#6 yes, this sounds stupid
#7a it only matters if the USSC rules on [and against FLSC] the case.
#7b heard about that yesterday. I think it is a delay tactics.
#7c yes, running the clock is quite transparent, IMHO. And it will work too. However, this is some risk. If it produces a sudden dead situation in which the FL legislature or the US House has to produce the slate, GOP may suffer the wrath. If this scenario develops, it may still be better for FL legislative [#4] to suffer. If the US House ends up doing the dirty job, the Democrats may end up controling the House in 2002.
#8 I heard part of the transcipt on the NewsHour last night. The exchange between Justice Scalia and Prof Tribe was quite amazing. I think delining to rule is the most likely scenario. Even if this is the case, the Gore camp would merely avoid a blow. It can claim no victory.
best, Bosco |
