KateandtheGirls? - More trouble in Florida

[JoolsToo]

Missing votes?????

how can you trust the result?

We've got Question Time tonight with:
A special edition - five days ahead of the US Presidential elections - from Miami in the key swing state of Florida. Chaired by David Dimbleby, the panel includes: Michael Moore, writer and director of Farenheit 9/11; Sidney Blumenthal, Chief Advisor to President Clinton; David Frum, former speech writer to George W Bush; Richard Littlejohn, columnist for The Sun.

excellent. In 'Stupid white men', M.Moore explains in depth exactly how Bush ' secured' the Florida vote last time around. I was horrified.I find it amusing that the Republicans hate him but just can't stop him - they can't, and have never as far as I am aware, taken legal actoin against him as he has never printed anything untrue!
Personally I fear Bush will be returned to the White House on the basis that so many Americans believe his spin on terror.I just wish they'd remember that most of the Taleban's weapons were made and supplied by good old uncle sam himself.Anyway I won't hijack the thread any further with an anti Bush diatribe.

Donnie, I don't agree that Republicans hate Bush. So many of them seem to idolise him that it's scary. Whereas with Democrats it's a case of we don't really love Kerry but he's the one we've got so we have to support him.

Jools, if the election is close, which it looks like it's going to be, I don't think you can trust the result.

I really hope it doesn't have to be decided in the courts weeks after the fact.

I think you misunderstood me Kate, I also believe Bush is idolised by republicans! in the same way Tories fawned over Maggie Thatcher. But look what happened to her....

I actually thought Al Gore was wrong to concede last time. It was presented as a dignified, gentlemanly action, but to my mind you have more of a duty to have the electorate's votes counted than to behave well if you are in politics.

But Donnie, you said "I find it amusing that the Republicans hate him but just can't stop him"

Kate, I think donnie meant that the republicans hate Michael More not Bush, I'm sure there's a grammer issue in there somewhere, but I can't be bothered .

I think the UN should ask to be allowed to have official observers after the last election was so dodgy. Wouldn't that be embarassing for Bush .

ballots have gone missing in Florida AND Ohio!!!

ps - I Loved Maggie Thatcher!

Sorry, I did misunderstand. Would it surprise you to learn that you hardly ever hear of Michael Moore over here? I heard his name mentioned a lot more often in England when I was there this summer then I ever have here.

yes, you did misunderstand Kate. It was a good programme, especially the bit where Michael Moore subverted the Republicanist puritan/religious card about ' moral' issues such as gay marriage, and said that under a Democratic government Republicans, although viewed as deviants and freaks, would still be allowed to marry eachother and that this would be a gesture of how liberal and tolerant the Democrats are.We were splitting our sides in this household! great stuff and the Republicans came off worst, naturally.

what about your ballot machines then? whats the matter with a bit of paper and an 'X' !

According to last nights QT - a lot of people aren't hitting the spot so to speak and there was some speculation as to whether the people who should be making sure that vote is counted aren't doing so - does this make sense?

I liked Michael Moore's comment on how Bush uses the bible to justify his stance against abortion but not his stance for war!

And also his (M. Moore) answer when asked about him believing that there is no justification for war... he then pointed out to Gandhi/India and South Africa where countries were serious political changes were made (throwing out a "regime") without a war.... he then went on to mention how the Canadians also got rid of the Brits by waiting for the winter.... it was all very funny (to me anyway).

Just been watching Jonathan Dimbleby in America - lots of contributors from both sides talking about the election. I can't pretend to know much about the two parties but watching this now - I'd be very worried if Bush gets re-elected - a journalist who has written a book 'Bush At War' asked Mr Bush if he had consulted his father about Iraq (him having been there and done that!) Bush's answer was that he has a 'higher father' he refers to!!!! Religion seems to be playing a bit part in this election and thats very worrying IMHO.