Reply #21: I think this highlights one matter of semantics.

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"Fraud" is not an objective. It's not a plan, it's not a strategy.

Fraud is something that happens when someone tries to win at "any cost", and it happens when they step over the line of what is acceptable. It is a byproduct of the bad character and bad morals of those who committed it.

There wasn't a "vast conspiracy" across the country to defraud the election, involving "the coordination of thousands of officials." What there was was a massive action by people who did not have the scruples to work even within the boundaries of the system that protects our democratic rights, forget common decency and civility.

Fraud happened in pockets, some with small effects, some with large effects. Conspiracies to commit fraud, where they did happen, involved only a small group of people -- some very good at it, some hacks.

Fraud happened. And it wasn't the only things that happened. They also abused power, intimidated individuals, and lied to the people.

The election of 2004 was not "A Fraud". It was a lot of fraud. And a lot of suppression/electioneering. And a lot of lies. And probably a fair amount of blackmail which we will never know about.