How did Kerry win independents in Florida by 18% and lose by

[Tony_FLADEM]

380,000 votes?

snip

However, Sen. John F. Kerry (Mass.) was able to stay competitive by increasing Democratic voter turnout. And exit polls showed that self -identified independents favored the Democrat -- by dramatic margins in some of the most important battleground states. In Florida and Ohio, for instance, Kerry won independents by 18 points and 19 points, respectively.

<http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A16756-2004Nov27.html>



In the election there were 1,805,793 independents in Florida. Assuming 70% 1,264,055 (the same as the actual turnout) showed up to vote.

Kerry would then have a 227,530 vote advantage among this group.

[liberalpragmatist]

1. Almost total Republican vote + Dixiecrat Dems

The panhandle is packed with Dixiecrats. Couple those with a large Republican registration in central Florida and you have a narrow victory.

But this is DU. So many will suggest fraud. Whatever. I don't buy conspiracy theories, but I'm open to any hard evidence if someone can find some.

[New Earth]

3. huh

[Birthmark]

4. I'm with you, LP

Hard evidence is the one missing ingredient in all of the fraud scenarios. Statistical evidence alone isn't enough, I'm afraid. I sincerely hope that someone comes up with some evidence of large-scale fraud.

[RaulVB]

5. The problem is not the "panhandle"!

Surprised you choose to ignore the Berkeley study that shows the manipulation took place right in Florida's Democratic strongholds.

There is your "hard data", tons of it!

[Straight Shooter]

6. I'll take off my tinfoil hat if you'll take off your tinfoil blinders

:hi:

[kerry2win]

8. just a thought b**h won independents by 2% in 2000

and overall voter registration was at least even in 2004, for dems and pubs, and Kerry won independents so how did b**h gain in overall vote by 9 million. Thats a question I need answered.

[Syrinx]

2. Bush's brother is governor of Florida. n/t

[Pirate Smile]

7. Another lovely quote from a Rethug -

"If Republicans keep playing the religious card along with the terrorism card, this could last a long time."

If we can keep everyone divided by religious wedge issues and scared shitless, Rethugs can win forever.

Why do I hate them, let me count the ways ....