I just realized--we're going to lose.

[FlashHarry]

My reasoning:

1) Kerry has run the most ineffective, listless, milquetoast campaign in modern memory. He makes Gore look like Clinton. Hell, he makes Dukakkis look like Gore!

2) The media is unabashedly pro-Bush. Whether they're parroting dubious poll numbers without questioning the methodology or replaying, in-full, mud-slinging anti-Kerry TV spots, calling it "news"--even though they don't find out what's behind them--even the most brainwashed Ditto Head would have to agree that cable news is pro-Bush

3) The electorate is dumb. Apart from a small percentage who actually read the newspaper and do a little online digging now and then, the American adult population actually believes that it is safer, richer and closer to God than it was in 2000. They drive their new SUVs into the garages of their gated cul-de-sac houses, where they flop down on the couch to watch O'Reilly in the evening, after a supper of overpriced take-away food from some starch-peddling, overpriced chain restaurant with old Burma Shave signs on the wall in lieu of actual atmosphere.

Well, I'll tell you what, folks. If America votes Bush in November, America will get what it deserves.

Please, somebody--refute my depressing thesis. Tell me we're gonna win! Help!

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. We're gonna win.

Too many reasons to list. Just read DU for more.

There. Better? ;-)

[mhr]

2. For Many Of The Reasons Cited - I Honestly Believe That It Is

To close to call.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[coloradodem2005]

6. Well I don't understand why you think Bush...

...who has accomplished nothing in his lifetime, except fucking this country over is a great president.

[NewJeffCT]

8. Iran Contra, BCCI, 100K cops on the street nothing?

But, I know most Freepers like to forget about those things.

Bye!

[dennis4868]

30. dont forget all the important environmental legilsation.....

he help push through the senate and he and McCain working so hard with regards to our relatiosnhip with Vietnam and the MIAs...

[leftchick]

9. He has many accomplishments....

and I don't need a "great president". I want a REAL president!

[Toots]

10. Why would you say such a foolish thing?

It is evident you haven't a clue of Kerry's history. Just the work he has done for Veterans alone is astounding. Do some research and then come back and discuss what you have learned.

[Blue_Roses]

69. We need a flyer with this chart

on it! It's awesome and shows why the republicans hate Bill Clinton so much!

[Jane Austin]

94. Not unless "Surplus" and "Deficit" are in large, bold letters

for the graphically challenged.

[phish420]

84. This graph should be called "That Shining City on a Hill." n/t

[Vickers]

I'll have what he's drinking

NOT!

[Name removed]

12. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[underpants]

25. W HAS no record in Texas

It was all decided on before he got elected. He signed off on it and they have turned out to be horrible but then W just signs or reads what he is told.

[underpants]

13. Hi and Welcome to DU

:hi:

Nothing?

Iran-Contra
BCCI
Global Aids bill
Accountability in defense contracting
Strengthening the intelligence apparatus (how ever it is used)
effectively ending the Vietnam War (POW/MIA-normalization of trade)

Okay maybe not the most glamorous topics (to name a few) but someone has to do the dirty work.

[Name removed]

15. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Evergreen Emerald]

21. Win the vote--loose the election

I am usually not a conspiracy theorist, but I truly believe that Bush and Co. will do anything to win. I wonder if the polls aren't artificially elevated to prepare us for the inevitable win of Bush, because he has rigged the election. I wonder if Florida put Nadar on the ballot so that it appears reasonable when Bush wins the state. I wonder if the computer voting system, so obviously flawed plays a part in it. They say some states are undecided when historically they have been democratic states (like Washington).

I honestly don't think Kerry has run an awful election. He is running against the institutions of power. The media, giants of industry, government agencies, to name a few are fighting against him.

[Eloriel]

34. Bingo, we have a winner!

They didn't steal the first election just to roll over for the repeat, OR to do great things for the country and its people.

Welcome to DU.

[salin]

87. Not to mention the post's on target comment

per polling. Was reading yesterday that Gallup (now teamed with CNN) does "representational weighting" among "likely voters" and "registered voters." THe thing is that they work from an assumption that more republicans will actually vote - so they sample about 15-20% more republicans than democrats in each group. But the problem is that this assumption does not seem to be grounded on anything. It isn't grounded on turnout of republicans vs. democrats in the past two presidential elections. Thus, yes, there is something funky - over sampling of republicans - in some of the major polls - and a sampling that does not reflect actual voter patterns. Thus - one can read many of these polls as completely bogus. It is mystifying why they would due this, unless it is strategic (lower democratic turnout due to apathy born out of "why bother, he is going to lose anyhow...")

[dennis4868]

22. Hey Rove.....

get back to planting forged document for CAPTAIN AWOL now! Time is of the essence! 47 days and your ass is out of that WH!

[Name removed]

23. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[liveoaktx]

Kerry HAS accomplished things as a Senator.. and what we do

know is Bush's record and that he not only makes a lousy president but is dangerous to democracy.

[Dem_Loyalist]

61. Senator (soon to be President) Kerry has a fantastic record!

Especially of denying the military industrial complex the obscene amounts of money the cons always try to funnel to them. From what I have heard he has been very successful at shutting down many unneeded weapons systems. More money spent on "people programs" is always a good thing!

[NMDemDist2]

27. nothing accomplished? what planet are you on?

Iran/Contra/BCCI
Vietnam MIA/POW
First "victim rights" and rape counseling centers in the US
Environmental record
Global crime syndicates
Health care for children
Fiscal responsibility

he has taken on tough issues and worked hard in the Senate. Do your research before you make such sweeping statements please.

[Swamp Rat]

28. Let's talk about the idiot in the White House.

Can you name some substantial things Dumbya has done in the last 3 1/2 years?... besides letting terrorists blow up the WTC, removing civil liberties, losing millions of jobs, illegally invading another country and getting over a thousand Americans killed, etc.

Tell us what GOOD has that asshole done for Americans?

[underpants]

38. A really good tax cut (for his "base")- uh....No Child Left Behind...

though not able to fund it due to the afore mentioned tax cuts...and uh....the Medicare reform bill

Those are the THREE legislative "accomplishments" of the Bush administration, that's it.

Oh then there is the whole lying us into a perpetual war thingy.

[Swamp Rat]

48. Ha!

Nice rosy lipstick you put on the pig there, concerning those three legislative "accomplishments." We can really hand it to him for the "No Child Left Behind" as he has eliminated a lot of children in Iraq out of conservative compassion. He must really love children!

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

53. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[NewJeffCT]

4. while I'm always a pessimist

(I was surprised Clinton won in'96!)

I still think most ditto-heads refer to CNN as the Clinton News Network and that it's full of libruls and think everything other than Fox & the New York Post are bastions of librulism. No wonder CNN gets no ratings now - conservatives prefer Fox, and many liberals know the truth that CNN is RW and is trying to outFox Fox.

Most Americans know the country isn't better off, but Kerry has been bashed so relentlessly & effectively by Bush & the lapdog media, that people are not sure of him.

[MaryH]

5. Maybe Not

It has been a discouraging month. I feel it, too. And I wonder how anyone with any morals at all could support this bunch.

But the News seems to be reporting more stories - its like they are not so afraid to do actual reporting.

So I am keeping the faith. A bad patch does not mean we will lose.

[punpirate]

7. I guess, then, Flash...

... that you'd better run right out and vote for Bush, so as not to be the only one on your block not to do so.

As for your "thesis," I don't find one. Instead, I find an unwitting agent provocateur whose premise has its foundation in his own inability to tell the difference between shit and shinola.

Cheers.

[FlashHarry]

44. Er, nice try. But WRONG.

Either you are suggesting I am stupid, or you are suggesting I'm a FReeper mole. Both suggestions are offensive and utterly untrue. I know shit from shinola. I've been a keen observer of the American political scene for several decades. I've been a card-carrying Democrat since I was old enough to vote.

So tell me, do you think the Kerry campaign has been effective? Do you think the media is "fair and balanced?" Do you think most Americans are curious and skeptical?

Now, who doesn't know "shit from shinola?"

Cheers, yourself.

[punpirate]

51. Your previous post indicates that you don't know...

... shit from shinola. This one suggests that you're capable of defending the indefensible.

If you believe you will lose, you will. What, exactly, do you want?

Self-defeating language accomplishes its aims. It's six full weeks to the elections. You ought to be ashamed of yourself for giving up so soon.

Cheers.

[FlashHarry]

56. Er, no it doesn't.

My post suggested that: Kerry has run an ineffective campaign, the media is pro-Bush, and the majority of the electorate is blissfully unaware of the gravity of the situation. You haven't refuted a single one of those assertions, but you're all-too happy to keep repeating your quaint "shit-from-shinola" meme. Nice work.

Please, I ask you again, refute any one or all three of those assertions.

Until then, "cheers," yourself.

[punpirate]

60. Your thread title is, and I quote...

... " I just realized--we're going to lose."

You're sure. Go ahead and be sure of that.

Count me out.

[FlashHarry]

68. Once again, you refuse to refute my assertions.

And, yes, my thread title may be a tad hyperbolic. Maybe I should have simplified it for you. I'm sorry you were confused.

[blm]

11. Why do you believe proBush polls? If the polls were accurate you'd notice

that Kerry is ahead and they haven't even debated yet. And that is even with a proBush media who is even more blatant about bashing Kerry while propping up Bush than even Gore had to deal with, and Gore still won.

You think there's an INNOCENT reason why the media won't show the huge crowds Kerry and Edwards are pulling? You think there's an INNOCENT reason why the media skews their polls so heavily with Republican voters?

You think polling 40% Republican, 33% Democrat, 27% Independent is an ACCURATE polling method?

[underpants]

18. Right-Kerry is close/ leading inspite of what Flashharry said

I usually don't question polls but they are so obviously using bad methods that now I am willing to question them.

The problem (and the point of that polling) is to drill it into 'Murkans heads that W has won, don't vote, look at what a winner W is!

Complete BS. I started a thread about volunteering yesterday and said that in what SHOULD be a strong part of Va. for the Republicans I got 9 W's 5 Kerry's and 3 undecided. That Kerry scores there at all is telling.

Oh and the cell phone thing too.

[FlashHarry]

47. Please read what I actually wrote...

The media is unabashedly pro-Bush. Whether they're parroting dubious poll numbers without questioning the methodology, or...

[blm]

57. And my point is that we are WINNING and they won't say so.

You just have to know it and ACT like you know it.

[nedlogg]

14. Be careful . . .

I made a post last week very similar to this one and it started a real shitstorm.

[GCP]

16. I feel the tide is turning every day

The polls are useless anyway. Kerry's coming back big time, he's listening to the Clinton guys on his campaign and he's really toughened up the message.
If you want to keep waatching the polls, they'll be turning around in about a week.

[DoYouEverWonder]

17. Ever hear of self fulfilling prophecy?

You might want to work on a more positive attitude? It will make a big difference in the outcome.

In the meantime, if you want to sit around and cry in you milk about how bad things are, then you are doing the devil's (aka Rove) work for him.

Now whose side do you want to be on?

[soothsayer]

20. Just get out and vote for Kerry, and reeeeelax. The nightmare is almost

over...!

[iamjoy]

36. No! Don't Just Get Out And Vote!

Contact the campaign and volunteer. Voting isn't enough, you need to help your friends and neighbors who aren't sold on Bush come over to Kerry's side. You need to make sure the ones on Kerry's side get out there and vote.

For our country's stake, our world's stake don't JUST vote!

[MockSwede]

91. YES!

Exactly - we're working on this 'ripple' effect. When you get someone off the fence and onto voting for Kerry, there's another step. NEXT get them, in turn, to commit themselves to talk about how you and he/she came to this decision (got convinced) and now (with their conviction) send them out to gather others - who will understand the original position of ambivalence and see that people DO become convinced and then have conviction.

I hate that is sounds like proselytizing or a Ponzi scheme, but....

[AP]

24. I hate when people say "America will get what it deserves." Not even...

...the dumb freepers and the misguided who vote for Bush deserve what Bush is doing to their lives and their children's future.

Nobody deserve that.

Bush is ruining people's lives to make a few rich people incredibly rich, and that isn't boing to be OK for any reason.

Kerry has got to win. If he doesn't, it's going to be awful for a lot of people, and you won't find me blaming the victim.

[iamjoy]

39. I Agree!

I hate the America gets what it deserves.
Not just because it blames the "victims" for their ignorance but because what about those of us who have been busting our tails working with the campaign (or another pro-Kerry group)? We don't deserve what Bush will do if he gets into office again.

[MasonJar]

26. Call the media on their partisanship. Do it immediately every time.

After I watched the unbelievable slant on the Kerry campaign last night I went to the phone. The show was still going on. I told them that they were losing half of the country as viewers and we were going to contact their advertisers. That last got their attention; so let's do it. I very seldom watch NBC now, but I wanted too check on them and was glad I did. Kerry is going to win if we get the voters out, especially in battleground states. Get out and work. The other option might just mean the end of the earth...that is from scientists not just me.

[seeker4ever]

29. There is one BIG, GIGANTIC thing to consider

These assholes cheat!

[sendero]

35. Another gigantic thing to consider...

.. is that now that they have been caught cheating, they will not have such an easy time of cheating again.

[2Design]

31. truman won - media printed that dewey won - the people will rule

[Lefta Dissenter]

32. So what are you going to do about it?

Sit around on your ass in front of your computer, blaming other people (Kerry, the media, stupid electorate), or DO SOMETHING???

To repeat the question ZulchZulu posed yesterday, "What have you done today to help get Kerry elected? Have you registered any voters? Have you knocked on any doors? Have you written any letters to the editor?

Stop sitting around pissing and moaning and waiting for other people to save the day. Spend a few minutes thinking about the enormous good that Kerry can do for our country, and then get out and spread the word! Put this negative attitude in the trashcan where it belongs, and make a positive change!

[underpants]

41. AaaaaaaaaMEN!

Well said

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=837333&mesg_id=837333

[iamjoy]

49. Woo Woo! Way to Go!

I was thinking the same thing. The person who started this thread should stop bitching and moaning and do something. I volunteer with the campaign, I am a precinct leader, I work in their office, I canvass, I phone bank. We had a volunteer organizing convention yesterday and I helped prepare refreshments.

If you don't want to get involved with the campaign, pick an issue that means a lot to you and contact the appropriate organization.

Environment: http://lcv.org/
Peace/Iraq: http://www.codepink4peace.org/
Reproductive Freedom: http://www.ppaction.org/ppvotes/main.html
Women's Issues (general): http://10forchange.org/

[FlashHarry]

50. You mean apart from donating and volunteering--and VOTING?

I have done "something." More than most, as it happens. And, even though I live in a red state, I will vote for Kerry without hesitation. I will continue to proselytize between now and the election. I will do everything I can to help our cause, because I believe it is the most important issue facing the world today.

I was merely posting my feelings after a quick scan of the morning's media.

[Jane Austin]

95. And think about moving to a battleground state - quick!

n/t



(edited for stupidity)

[charlie105]

37. Well, look at this way:

8 years of this repug 'leadership' and there's hope in 2008 that the despicable Giuliani will not be pres. If you think Bush is deplorable, wait till you see 'America's Mayor' in action. I've lived in his dictatorship for 8 yrs.
He's the most over-rated person in history. And he's got his 100-million dollar' security consulting' gig to show for it.

[unfrigginreal]

40. Don't give up yet

We're making speeches about being "in the mood to fight".

[anchorsaweigh7903]

42. anchor's cure for doubt

1. Kerry is a mastermind from coming behind an incumbant. We have 2 Presidential Debates coming up, which Kerry has a great shot at winning, and 1 Vice presidential Debate, which Edwards has my highest bid to win. These 2 guys, believe it or not are ambitious, and determined to bring our country out of a rut.

2.The Media...ahh the media, apart from CNN international and any public broadcasting station, the press are a bunch of spin doctors locked in a room. I have faith in the thinking America, so much faith that I believe that they will pull more votes for Kerry than the media wishes against. Polls are polls man. They are a cut-throat slice of society, just to gather opinion. Also, look at the poll, such as where it is from, what station is running it, and what kind of spin the pollsters put into the questionaire.

3.The constituants that make up America aren't dumb, they are guided by 1,000 rays of light, when they should be guided by one. Americans are also lazy. We do not want to educate ourselves on the candidates, and the tasks that they want to accomplish while in office.

Harry,
America will vote right, November is the big show, and we (Liberals) will hold our heads up high again. It starts with people like us. Lets get out and get some votes for Kerry. We still have 6 weeks left, and lots can be done with determination and hard work.

Keep up the Fight
-anchs

[FlashHarry]

52. Thanks. THAT's what I was looking for!

I actually feel better now!

[veracity]

43. Your taking the bait....here's something to give out and WIN!

The media and the Karl Rove strategy have you suckered in. We're going to lose if people like you walk around with a 'woe is me' attitude, attacking Kerry. This is not a popularity contest... or at least, - it should NOT be. We WILL WIN if every person gets involved, joins registration drives, helps with fundraising and phone campaings, - volunteers at local DEM headquarters and WORKS for the WIN.

If all you do is support the criticism... WHICH IS NONSENSE....and work to get people to understand the issues Kerry is raising clearly and well..... we have the election down pat. PEOPLE DON'T KNOW...and only snippets of Kerry's speeches are heard by the nation as a whole. Bush and Cheney have the luxury of sneering at Kerry and poking fun at him. No one would allow Kerry to ridicule the gaffes and dumbass lies being uttered by Bush and Cheney alike.

Get OFF the pity party stuff. Get some confidence in the party that will take us out of the hole we're in. Stand tall...but get the word out. Here's a flyer to print out...there are more..but this one is particularly good:

YOU SHOULD NOT VOTE IF…
A public service message

* You get your facts from corporate TV news or radio
* You have no factual information about the issues
* You do not hold your government accountable
* You support a candidate without specific reasons
* You believe what is said in “smear” campaign ads

ARE YOU AN INFORMED VOTER?
DO YOU KNOW…

* How many convicted felons George W. Bush has appointed to office?
* How many international treaties the Bush administration has broken?

More…

http://tvnewslies.org/html/you_should_not_vote_if___.html

[patdem]

45. Hit the ALERT button on that troll...I just got back myself

We will win in November. A corporate sponsored media will NOT stop people from showing up in the polls in DROVES in November!

I am sorry, these newspaper polls have been manipulated beyond any reality, you have seen it right here on DU.

DO NOT DISPAIR! America is VERY upset with this pResident. The newspaper finds some steelworker in Misouri who voted for Gore in the last election but is considering voting for bush* this time around because of 'abortion and stuff' and everyone gets upset. While we have ANOTHER General who WAS a bush* supporter and now considers Kerry to be a better man for the military and no BROOHAHA over that!

:bounce:

[Blue Wally]

66. From Broward County, FL

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/columnists/sfl-cpol18sep18,0,5293682.column?coll=sfla-news-col

We need a huge majority in Broward to take Florida.

[matcom]

46. I just realized why i don't participate in GD anymore

:eyes:

[Media_Lies_Daily]

54. Bullshit. Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way....

...defeatist posts like yours do nothing but encourage additional weak-kneed Dems to stay away from the polls.

Get a grip, or find something else to do with your life besides post whining rants on DU.

[FlashHarry]

58. Interesting response from "Media_Lies_Daily"

Whining? Ranting? What was your name again?

[Swamp Rat]

55. I nominate this thread for the archives.

:thumbsdown:

[AIJ Alom]

59. WE ARE GOING TO WIN !!!

"For America, the hope is there. The sun is rising. Our best days are still to come." - John Kerry, DNC Acceptance Speech.

I am an independent, not a Democrat. Yet the end of John Kerry's speech reminds me why I love my nation so much. HOPE ! Not the fear the W(for Wrong) and RNC (Really Not Concerned about you or me) illustrated and repeatedly incited at their bogus convention, but the message of HOPE, Democrats spoke of.

HOPE is on the way !

[Stephanie]

62. Then get into bed, pull the covers over your head, and stop posting at DU

We don't this crap.

[Octafish]

63. Our CANDIDATE is better than theirs.

Consider...



Zero.



Hero.

..."a splendid young naval officer...and an even finer person."

[anchorsaweigh7903]

64. The Guy Had Doubts everyone

Instead of jumping to the gun, lets unite and welcome him in!

There can be no divisions amongst a party, no matter how small and insignificant the situation. Remember EVERY VOTE COUNTS! I can't stress it enough, in order to form a juggernaught we all have to be in sync with one another. I hate to sound politician-like, but its the truth.

Harry, If you need any kind of information or guidance, I'd be more than happy to help out peer-to-peer.

-anchs

[datasuspect]

65. yep

this is bizarro world and the inmates now run the asylum in letter and spirit.

what's funny is how so many people actually fall for this bullshit.

smug middle managers holding onto the threads of the fraying middle class going on about how kerry is a "fag."

i have to listen to this shit in the corporate office where i work.

they are unabashed and speak with conviction.

we're all slaves on w's plantation.

[redstateblues]

67. People Post This Shit to Get Attention- A Turd In The Punchbowl

Can't you come up with a thread idea that does something besides get negative attention for yourself?

[FlashHarry]

70. Er, considering I've got TEN TIMES the number of posts you have...

I'd say I'm beyond such petulant activities. I was merely voicing my concerns and was looking for somebody to tell me why we're going to win. It's been a lousy six weeks, and I need some good news. I realized the provocative title would elicit some response. I can see now that my approach was flawed--at least as far as there are obviously several people here who couldn't fathom what I was getting at.

Over and out.

[jonnyblitz]

71. I always brace for the worst and I don't necessarily think it

will be Kerry's fault if he does lose. I hope he doesn't, I just don't have a good feeling anymore. :(

[mike_c]

72. I think you're exactly correct....

It's 2002 all over again. Remember the days on DU following the 2002 election? Lots of wailing and hair-pulling among the faithful, little real change in the Democratic Party.

[mvd]

73. I'm remaining optimistic

The new Mason-Dixon polls at electoral-vote.com concerned me, but we still have the debates, and I think Kerry's support will shore up in October. Keep on fighting! We have to have the attitude that we won't let Kerry lose.

[FlashHarry]

74. True. I'm hoping the debates do the trick. They did in 1960.

I've got my fingers crossed. Though, I imagine BushCo™ will insist on having the questions beforehand.

[grasswire]

80. Harry.....

...may I suggest that you take a trip out of the red states? Go on out to Portland for a few days, where Democrats outnumber Pugs. The air smells better, people don't eat so much starchy food or live in gated communities, and Kerry signs are EVERYWHERE. Poor folk and rich folk alike ride public transportation and the place is alive with democratic values.

[formernaderite]

75. What a stupid post.....

....I'm tired of playing defense. The race is very close, whoever wins will win in a squeaker.

[abrock]

76. You made one correct statement in that whole post that I'm aware of:

If America votes Bush in November, America will get what it deserves.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again:

***BUSH IN 2004 - A STUPID MAN, FOR STUPID PEOPLE***

[Cha]

77. No we're Not! We're going to win!

Get with the program! :)

[kentuck]

78. FlashHarry, did you really have to say this crap on a Sunday morning?

:shrug: Was it an epiphany or have you simply surrendered to the onslaught of rightwing propaganda? On what other criteria do you base your decision? Yes, it is depressing and thanks for bringing everybody else down with you.

[grasswire]

81. It did make my heart sink...

...when I saw the headline. And I am an optimist who has good reasons for knowing we are going to win. My heart sank because I knew that this is the kind of talk the RNC salivates over, the kind of talk that sways less hearty souls.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

79. I'm Still Searching For A Happy Medium....

Between the zero percent probability of winning posts and the ninety nine percent probability of winning posts I don't know whether to laugh or cry.......

[Zen Democrat]

82. Go back to bed and sleep it off.

[Conservativesux]

83. I hope you are wrong...

But my instincts tell me are are not :(

Four more years of Bush ????

There wont be any America left in 2008 if this doofus
makes it this year!

[no name no slogan]

85. Despite the campaign, KERRY WILL WIN

Look, I agree the Kerry has not been running the greatest campaign. I also see the parallels to Dukakis/Bentsen '88 (a campaign which I worked on from the primaries to the GE). However, Dubya is not his Daddy, and Kerry is NOT Dukakis.

For one thing, Kerry is starting to hit back, NOW. Dukakis didn't start punching until mid-October, which was way too late. Poppy had a HUGE post-convention bounce. Dubya's is all but gone.

I think Kerry made a bad mistake in Boston by focusing on his Vietnam/Navy service, instead of focusing on his 19+ year Senate record and the problems of today. It left him wide open to the Swift Boat Liars and the "soft on terrorism/defense" charges that he's getting now.

But OTOH, Dubya is the WORST president since Herbert Hoover. Hell, we could have run John Wayne Gacy against Dubya and still have a lopsided victory. Most people are waking up to the fact that Dubya has done NOTHING for us except make us more unsafe, more in debt, and more unemployed!

If you're feeling that far down, go out and do something locally. Volunteer for a local legislative candidate, a congresscritter, or school board member. Go register voters in places normally neglected by BOTH parties, like homeless shelters and nursing homes. Help get out new/previously unregistered voters to the polls.

We WILL win this. We have the numbers. All we need to do is get those bodies to the polls on Nov 2.

[Strelnikov_]

89. Actually, Boosh Makes Hoover Look Like FDR

We have NEVER had a worse President than Boosh.

That said, the upcoming election is just one battle, and will be either a “Their Finest Hour” or “End of the Beginning” moment. Either way, the GOP Corporatacracy will ultimately lose the war.

Even if Boosh does pull out this election, the country is still going to be 50/50. If he does pull it out, it is because they were able to perpetuate the big lie of GOP economic/foreign policy for a little longer. Most of the people I know who support the GOP do so because of their supposed superiority in economic policy and national defense. With the economic and military disasters that are going to occur within the first couple of years into the next term, the Potemkin Village built by the GOP will collapse, and so will the GOP majority in politics. I do not think Boosh will even last the full second term (ala Nixon).

The GOP has successfully delayed the day of reckoning until after the election by diverting any concerns people may have to 9/11 and the ‘war on terra’. Also, although many on this board see the coming storm, a critical mass of people buy into the ‘turning the corner’ mantra. Also, a vast majority of the country has no investment (relatives) in the branches of the military currently in harms way.

Let’s face it, considering the compliant (and possibly complicit media) and unprecedented use (for a democracy) of physiological warfare, the fact that they can only manage to get 50% of the 50% who vote underscores their weak position.

Therefore, no matter the result of the upcoming election, we must bugger on, and continue fighting for the day the GOP Corporatists are thrown out of office.

[liberalpragmatist]

86. KERRY is NOT Ineffective and Listless

I don't disagree that the last 6 weeks haven't been good, but Kerry ahd an excellent spring and January, picked an excellent running mate and was leading Bush for a long time.

Now we're only a few points behind and there's a lot of unease. Bush could certainly win, but there is a strong chance that we will win too - the race is FAR from over.

And Kerry's Doing MUCH better than Gore. Remember Gore supposedly *lost* all 3 debates and was behind according to almost all the polls. He never settled on a good message, never convincingly made a strong case against Bush, never let it rip - and he STILL *won*.

Kerry's a very strong candidate and an extremely strong closer. He's been fantastic the past week. Don't lose faith. Yeah, he looks bad compared to Clinton, but EVERY Dem looks bad compared to Clinton.

[doni_georgia]

88. We're going to win!

Yes, there are a lot of ill-informed Americans. There are a lot of folks who don't care about anything but their portfolios and material possessions. BUT there are a lot of folks who have lost everything during the last four years. Jobs are being outsourced. Companies are laying off. People who once lived pretty comfortably are barely staying above water. These people will vote. In addition, we have a very unstable situation in Iraq. Things are likely only to continue to worsen there. Doesn't take a West Point grad to see how screwed up this administration's handling of that situation is.
Don't believe the biased polls that have come out. Keep the faith and CAMPAIGN! Get out there and talk to people. Register folks to vote. Volunteer in your community for Kerry, or just do some grassroots organizing on your own. This election is far from over.

[Name removed]

90. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[the_outsider]

92. we are going to win - let's try ...

1) Effective - Depends on how you measure the effect. We all know polls are not very reliable. Mainstream media is very biased. So we can discount what they are saying. The sample set of anecdotal and personal experiences is very small. It's not very easy to measure the effect of a campaign and it's very easy to get swayed by biased polls and media. That's precisely what they are shooting for - decide the polls beforehand and depress the turnout. We cannot play into their hands. We can judge a campaign only AFTER it's over.

Listless/Milquetoast - I disagree. Kerry has been focusing on right issues and he speaks intelligently. He comes across as a practical, knowledgeable and articulate person who can rally people to consensus solutions. Do not let the spin get to you and just listen to any of his major speeches. I do not think you will find him listless. He may lack the charisma of a JFK or a Clinton, but he is not running against them. He is running against a proven failure who cannot even speak English correctly.

The economic and political problems facing USA are very complex. In a very tightly integrated world, we need a leader who is capable of negotiating with a diverse group of people with contradictory opinions and interests and drive toward consensus-based solutions. Kerry's deliberate approach is the right one. We cannot afford a "my-god-is-better-than-your-god" and "if-you-don't-agree-I-will-kill-you-just-because-we-can" assertive approach.

2) Media - They are totally out of touch and they know it. They no longer report on what's going on. They do not like what's going on and try to change it. It's a losing battle, but they will not go down without a fight because a lot of money is at stake. They can ignore a million people marching, they can no longer influence how they think. The harder they try, the more people will see through it.

3) Electorate - I think you will be positively surprised. I live in a university campus and talk to a lot of young people and minorities. They are lively, energatic and hoping for a change. They are very aware of what's going on and they talk and share their views in AIM,WM,YM,blogs and livejournals. Mainstream print and TV media are losing out. Passive consumption is giving up to active participation and sharing of information. They are registering in droves and will have a larger turnout that usual. Mass media also severely underestimates the deep resentment against Bush and his cronies.

By no means it's over. Debates are coming. Ask everyone to watch the debates and decide for themselves. We have the better candidates and the better vision. No reason to feel depressed as long as we try our best. Feel proud and confident.

If we fail (we won't) this time, never say Americans deserve what they get. Noone deserves misfortunes even if they bring it on themselves. We will just have to try harder next time.

[Dr Fate]

93. Kerry has corrected #1...

If the hype about Kerry's "new" more agrressive campaign bares out- then there is still a huge chance for victory & even a mandate.

#2- True- but Kerry is aware of this.

#3-most of these folks already voted GOP and will continue to do so.

America loves a fight- no matter what people say about being sick of negative ads, etc...

If Kerry continues to take the fight to Bush, we will carry the day...

[DesEtoiles]

96. Don't waste my time with such a stupid post

[Suzi Creamcheese]

97. Kerry can still win, I think

It is kind of discouraging to read about all the polls showing Bush pulling ahead, but when the going gets tough we all have to pull together, broaden the coalition, redouble our efforts, and hope for a miracle. There are a lot of things that could happen that would be bad for Bush, and there is always the debates. Kerry could score some points there, like how Bush is for freedom in Iraq but against gay marriage in the US. And that he didn't take his physical on time.