The John Ellis Effect

[jbutsz]

We all know the effect John Ellis' call (at Fox) on election night 2000 had in setting Bush up as the "winner."

Imagine Kerry being the clear winner Nov 2, beyond need of any recounts. Now imagine Fox reporting that they are "receiving word" of cheating going on at polls all around the country, that people have been spotted "messing around with these new machines"; they hammer it enough that other networks start questioning Kerry's win, leading the public to start wondering the same.

Do you think they will not use the same technique this time around too?

Remember that these days, accusing someone and repeating it endlessly is enough to make them guilty of it.

[theorist]

1. I'm not so sure.

FNC does have a lot of pull because of they're loud (and annoying) viewers. The broadcast stations are kind of on edge at the moment, partially due to the Dan Rather/CBS crap, so they'll be more willing to investigate any reported shenanigans.

If FNC tried to do something like this again, it may very well backfire.

[chookie]

3. I disagree

I hope there is a plan in place for this.

Given that this adminstration rules through disception, I think such a tactic is to be expected. It worked before. They haven't done anything new this time. This is going right back to 5-4.

As in 2000, they will encourage civil disorder throughout the country, in order to get the Democrats to back down.

Whoever wins will not be accepted as legitimate. This is a disturbing thought.

[theorist]

4. I think I'm being hopelessly optimistic.

This campaign season has got me really stressed out.

I would be utterly disappointed (haven't been, yet, by the way) with the Kerry campaign if they did not have a plan to counter the tactics of the bushites. I hope us Dems will hold our collective own this time--we are much better organized, right?

My nightmare scenario is that * somehow steals the popular vote, thus making his winning the Bush v. Kerry decision seem more legitimate.

[leftofthedial]

2. Faux, CNN and NBC will do everything they can to aid the little bushturd

just like they do all day every day

big business as usual

if it means lying, spinning, starting or spreading disinformation, of course they'll do it. that is the reason they exist.