[Merged] 2004 US Presidential Election

[Jerrek]

This can't be good news for Kerry:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2004Jul26.html

Breaking sharply with the enforced harmony of the Democratic National Convention, the president of the largest AFL-CIO union said Monday that both organized labor and the Democratic Party might be better off in the long run if Sen. John F. Kerry loses the election.

Neither can this: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/27/in...st/27conf.html

Haha, so the UN wants elections after U.S. elections...


How about this? I mean, our economy is in the toilet:
http://quote.bloomberg.com/apps/news...ptlNM&refer=us

U.S. consumer confidence rose this month to a two-year high, boosted by an improving job market that also is helping keep new-home sales close to a record. . . .

The creation of 1.3 million jobs so far this election year is starting to lift optimism that lagged as gasoline prices rose as much as 35 percent and higher food and health-care costs helped pushed consumer prices up 3.3 percent from June 2003. The Conference Board said the percentage of Americans who consider jobs hard to find is now the lowest since October 2000.

Bummer. But it just doesn't stop!

http://www.nypost.com/postopinion/op...ists/28160.htm

The first-ever public opinion poll in Afghanistan shows that people there are optimistic about the future and excited about upcoming elections. . . .

Afghanistan has a constitution, is registering voters and is moving toward holding a presidential election in October. And the survey of 804 randomly selected male and female Afghan citizens, commissioned by the Asia Foundation notes that:

* 64 percent say the country is heading in the right direction.

* 81 percent say that they plan to vote in the October election.

* 77 percent say they believe the elections will "make a difference."

* 64 percent say they rarely or never worry about their personal safety, while under the Taliban only 36 percent felt that way.

* 62 percent rate President Hamid Karzai's performance as either good or excellent.

This was no pro-Bush put-up job. The polling firm, Charney Research, is a partisan Democratic polling firm. And superstar Democratic pollster Celinda Lake, who's read the study †� and who has worked on similar polling in developing countries †� calls it "very reliable."

Now, if I could ask 10 questions to Kerry here is what they will be:

1) Conservatives claim your voting record is to the left of Ted Kennedys. Are you a liberal? Do you think your political views compare with those of Ted Kennedy? (10:16)

2) Given that every commanding officer you ever had in Vietnam says you are unfit to be President, do you think voters can still trust your judgement on national defense when your own commanding officers in Vietnam don't? (10:19)

3) In 1984, you recommended the cancellation of the B1 bomber, the cruise missile, MX missile, Trident submarine, Patriot air defense missile, F15 fighter plane, Sparrow missile, stealth bomber and Pershing II missile among other programs. Do you think we're lucky you didn't get your way back then or do you believe we'd be better off today without those weapons? (10:20)

4) You said you're going to treat the war on terrorism "primarily" as a "law-enforcement action"? Wasn't that exactly the sort of policy that left us vulnerable to Al-Qaeda on 9/11? (10:22)

5) Do you feel ashamed that your US Senate testimony, which was based in part on the testimony of people who turned out to be frauds, was quoted to our POWS in Vietnam by their interrogators in an attempt to break their will? (10:24)

6) Do you think the war in Iraq was worth it? I'd like a one word answer, "yes" or "no" please. (10:25)

7) Given that you've missed more than 80% of your votes so far this year, do you think that you've adequately served the people of Massachusetts as their Senator during 2004? Follow-up question, do you think the average person who works a job in America would deserve a promotion if he simply chose to be absent 80% of the time from his job? (10:29)

8) You've criticized George Bush for high gas prices. Do you think that's fair given that you supported a 50 cent tax increase on gas at one point? Follow-up: would you still support such a tax increase and if not, why has your view changed? (10:31)

Shoot, I only got in 8 questions for Kerry in the allotted time. Here are two more anyway.

9) During a debate back in January, you said that the threat of terrorism against America has been exaggerated. So would it be fair to say that you believe the threat of terrorist attacks against our country is minimal? Do you feel that another 9/11 or terrorist attack with WMD is out of the question at this point? (10:35)

10) Do you think it's fair to criticize President Bush because we haven't found stockpiles of WMD in Iraq when you yourself unequivocally and on multiple occasions said that Saddam Hussein has WMDs? (10:41)

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by Jerrek

Now, if I could ask 10 questions to Kerry here is what they will be:

Could you not think of your own instead of plagiarising them from

http://www.armageddonproject.com/wogdiary/

Gore Pulls 10 Points Ahead in Newsweek Poll
September 2, 2000
In a new national presidential poll conducted by Newsweek Magazine,
Vice President Al Gore seems to have pulled substantially ahead of
George W. Bush, just as Bush launches a blitz television ad campaign
making attacks on Gore's credibility.

Newsweek Poll results, nation-wide (Aug. 30-31):
Al Gore 49%
George W. Bush 39%
Ralph Nader 3%
Pat Buchanan 1%

Iowa Poll sponsored by the Des Moines Register (Aug. 23-30):
Al Gore: 45%
George W. Bush 37%

Vermont Poll by Mason-Dixon:
Al Gore 49%
George W. Bush 36%

I dunno, The BBC and Sky news have both mentioned that gore was behind for most of the race maybe hes lead in the polls dropped. Also that was after the Conventation, kerry hasnt had his keynote yet

What are you saying? Your English is hard to follow.

that both partys have started the campaining

Maybe liberals will see it like that, because it is hard to say something bad about Guilliani without getting a public retaliation. The majority of the people won't see it as a negative mark and it may swing more people to vote for Bush.

Yeah, Proberly. But there will still be some people questioning the move...

Ohio will vote Republican. And I'm reasonably confident Florida will too.

There are both swing states, ohio was won by a 4% margin by bush but has since lost jobs and is hotely contested. Florida is always going to be tricky

No. He can continue just like he is doing right now. He is a terrific guy and a good president. And, the Republican National Convention is coming up. That can be one event that will get the message out a bit.

The Polls are equal, like i said it will be close

There is no "mess" in Iraq. Maybe for liberals, who expected a utopia of love and flowers after 2 days there. Most of us are more realistic. Iraq has its own government now, and the Iraq police and army are slowly taking over patrolling and guard duty.

Support has continued to drop for the war in the us what with all the american deaths and if that continues it wont be good for bush

You can bet that there will be Iraqis featured in upcoming Republican campaign ads and probably at the Republican Convention... something Democrats wouldn't dare do.

http://boortz.com/nuze/200407/07272004.html#convention

Had a Boston taxi driver yesterday from Iraq. He's going back home to visit his parents in a few weeks. He was none-too-pleased with the Democrats. He believes that Democrats hate his country and want Saddam to be back in power. He was adamant that things are much better in Iraq than the media is saying ... and he's at a loss as to why all of these media types won't tell the truth

thats not proof of anything though, It is just one person point of view. Also the Democrats where not fully against the war and never ever 'wanted saddam to be back in power'. Americans are not stupid they know the Democrats are not pro saddam or hate america and many will support the idea of getting the UN back to help

No its not... It is better. We had a quarter with 8% growth. And a few more all over 4% growth. That is more than anytime since Reagan. Unemployment is also down, to 5.6%.

Originally Posted by BBC

But experts say the US economy is always voters' number-one concern, and there are conflicting signals about its strength. Mr Bush is the first president since the 1930s Great Depression to lose jobs on his watch - but there have been strong hiring figures recently, so it is difficult to judge how Americans will rate his performance.

More graphs and stuff to follow later

People don't trust him. And, people don't know where he stands. I for one will not vote for someone who I don't know where he stands.

Agreed, that is kerrys biggest drawback with is why i think it will be close and that kerry needs a good speech tommorow

[Jerrek]

Originally Posted by Bifta

Could you not think of your own instead of plagiarising them from

http://www.armageddonproject.com/wogdiary/

It is from rightwingnews.com actually. And, I put it in quotes. Surely you didn't mistake John's writing style for mine?

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by Jerrek

It is from rightwingnews.com actually. And, I put it in quotes. Surely you didn't mistake John's writing style for mine?

Because I know John personally .... and I've analysed both of your writing styles (as clearly I have absolutely nothing better to do with my time), perhaps if you'd said "what fascistnews.com wanted to ask Kerry" instead of "I"

[Jerrek]

I'm surprised that the quotes didn't tip you off that I'm like, err, QUOTING it from another place.

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by Jerrek

I'm surprised that the quotes didn't tip you off that I'm like, err, QUOTING it from another place.

Now, if I could ask 10 questions to Kerry here is what they will be:

I understand now, lack of imagination, you should have just said sooner.

by the way the unemployment figures have gone down. If you read that quote you posted Jerrek, it says 1.3 millions have been made THIS YEAR buut the count went down sharply before that. But that is highlighting how close the election is in the fact that Bush has lost jobs but had a good year so again its 50/50

also as for the budget deficit

Originally Posted by BBC News

The size of the 2004 budget deficit - $521bn - is a new record, easily exceeding the $290bn at the beginning of the Clinton administration.
Also highly significant is the fact that spending on the military and homeland security, at $450bn, now exceeds the total amount of discretionary spending on all other domestic programmes such as education, transport, and housing.

Surely spending more on wars and armys is not as important as Education


The best weapon against terrorism IS education!

[philip.j.fry]

Perhaps this will help people decide

[Russ]

Just a random thought.....does it all actually matter to us??

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by Russ D

Just a random thought.....does it all actually matter to us??

In a way yes, unfortunately we normally get dragged into whatever conquest the Bush's dream up.

Originally Posted by Bifta

In a way yes, unfortunately we normally get dragged into whatever conquest the Bush's dream up.

Clinton helped us with ireland as well i belive? Or at least he tried, he had genunie concern for peace

Although I agree with the irai war (just) i think bush is far too violent with his army. That statastic that more money has been spent on the armys than education, transport and housing put together to appaling.

Also Russ D I think it matters to us, there are the most powerful country in the world politically, finance and pure power. They are are closest allies and i think we have a intrest in who is in the white house

Why didnt H.Clinton run anyway? If kerry wins she has no chance till 2012 and then she may be too old while edwards will be just old enough and have the advantage of already being in the white house?

[Bifta]

Originally Posted by Damien

Clinton helped us with ireland as well i belive? Or at least he tried, he had genunie concern for peace

Although I agree with the irai war (just) i think bush is far too violent with his army. That statastic that more money has been spent on the armys than education, transport and housing put together to appaling.

Also Russ D I think it matters to us, there are the most powerful country in the world politically, finance and pure power. They are are closest allies and i think we have a intrest in who is in the white house

Why didnt H.Clinton run anyway? If kerry wins she has no chance till 2012 and then she may be too old while edwards will be just old enough and have the advantage of already being in the white house?

Clinton != Bush, which is kinda my whole point.

Originally Posted by Russ D

Just a random thought.....does it all actually matter to us??

Err, yes...?!?!

Why are we worried about terrorist attacks? Perhaps one reason is because we helped Bush in the invasion of Iraq?

Also our economy and stock market is heavily linked to that of the USA, so I'd prefer someone to lead that country who was going to act responsibly instead of Presiding over a massive deficit etc etc.

Yes, it certainly *does* matter to us.

[Jerrek]

Originally Posted by Damien

by the way the unemployment figures have gone down. If you read that quote you posted Jerrek, it says 1.3 millions have been made THIS YEAR buut the count went down sharply before that. But that is highlighting how close the election is in the fact that Bush has lost jobs but had a good year so again its 50/50

Lets get a few things straight: the president doesn't create jobs. The best he can do is create an environment to encourage growth. Bush didn't create those jobs anymore than he caused unemployment.

However, my point stands. The economy is quite healthy. Unemployment is low. Interest rates are low. Inflation is in check. Confidence is rising. We had tremendous growth.

also as for the budget deficit

While I would prefer not to have a budget deficit, there are a few things to consider:
- the average American will not be basing his vote of off the budget deficit. It is unimportant.
- the United States can afford a budget deficit of this magnitude due to the high demand for the greenback in other countries.

Surely spending more on wars and armys is not as important as Education

Perhaps. Army = government's job. Education = YOUR job, YOUR responsibility. You really can't compare it.

The best weapon against terrorism IS education!

Right, because if we had spent more on education, 9/11 would never have happened. /rolleyes