Reply #89: More analysis is needed to define the number of cross-votes, esp...

[L. Coyote]

in other counties. In Cuyahoga we are close to knowing. And, yes, you are correct, it is not enough to change the outcome. Kerry probably knew this much on Nov. 3 when he woke up.

But remember, only some of the cross-votes show up in the 3rd party columns, and the stronger the Kerry support, the smaller the proportion of thse will be to the actual cross-vote total. Some just switch a Kerry vote to a Bush vote, or vice-versa.

Cross-voting is just one part of the puzzle. And it needs to be remedied once and forever. More importantly, suppression must end, and equipment that actually counts all the votes must be provided to minority areas too.

Just because one factor does not have the potential for changing the outcome is insufficient reason to stop analyzing the election. Everyone should keep working, studying, learning new skills, etc.... Many surprises lie ahead, hidden from obvious view.