McCain/Palin Supporters Slash Tires and Heckle Early Voters in North Carolina
Attendees at a Barack Obama rally Oct. 19 in Fayetteville, North Carolina, had their tires slashed apparently by supporters of John McCain and Sarah Palin. Following the rally, early Obama voters were heckled by McCain/Palin supporters outside at least one polling place in Fayetteville.
According to the Fayetteville Observer, some person or persons unknown slashed the tires of at least 30 vehicles parked outside Fayetteville's Crown Coliseum during the Oct. 19 Obama rally, leaving attendees including a single mother and her baby stranded and upset. At least four tow trucks had to be called for stranded vehicles at a cost upwards of $100 for each vehicle. One Obama supporter quoted in this report expressed the belief that the slashed tires were an effort to intimidate her and others like her, but insisted that she wouldn't be deterred from supporting Obama.
Following the rally, Obama supporters taking advantage of early voting were met by hecklers outside at least one Fayettevile polling place. Unlike the anonymous tire-slashers of earlier in the day, the hecklers outside this polling place left no doubt as to who they were and why they were there. As shown in two videos posted to the Washington Times, many of the hecklers were holding McCain/Palin campaign signs; and all were white while most of the voters they were heckling were black. Reporter Christina Bellantoni described the McCain/Palin forces here as "a group of loud and angry protesters who shouted and mocked the voters as they walked in" to vote, their shouts including the usual claims that Obama is a "socialist" or a "terrorist," and even that the voters themselves were "cheaters."
A report by the Institute for Southern Studies in Durham NC suggests that the heckling incident may be a violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1964, which states: "No person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, shall intimidate, threaten, or coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for voting or attempting to vote, or intimidate, threaten, or coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for urging or aiding any person to vote or attempt to vote."
John McCain and Sarah Palin did not tell their supporters to slash the tires of Obama supporters or to heckle voters at a polling place. In view of their continued insistence on the use of fear and hate to manipulate voters, however, and in view of the similar types of hate-based behavior we have seen at McCain/Palin rallies across the United States, I would argue that McCain, Palin, and the GOP are as responsible for these acts as the perpetrators themselves. McCain and Palin need to be held accountable for the lynch-mob mentality they have knowingly cultivated among their supporters with their own divisive rhetoric.
Mark C. Eades
http://www.mceades.com
Now this IS something that the DOJ should be investigating.
And considering the Obama campaign just logged $150 million for September, it would be a nice gesture for the campaign to pick up the tab for the tires and tows for these group of supporters.
October 21, 2008 12:20 AM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, someone should send the bill to the McCain camp -- and get it in the news. This is exactly the type of story that belongs in the news. Night after night.
In fact, let's go one step further: blame the GOP. Get that meme out and now we can talk about divide and conquer. No bad language need be used. All one has to do is link the GOP with this bad behavior. No one has to say "rethugs"... just keep linking the bad behavior to the GOP.
The way to bring down a mighty institution is to scare it with press. I know. I've done it.
Let rationality ring.
October 21, 2008 3:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
I think we should put the hecklers in jail, don't you CT? :) And, while we're at it, let's suspend habeus corpus. CT, do you have any concerns about our "allies" in this race once we win. So many seem eminently Foxian/Rovian, finding evil in all people who support Republicans.
So glad we're the unity, post-partisan folks.
Faux outrage makes me grog. I had high hopes for this Eades when I read that beautiful essay about Colin Powell's endorsement and his defense of muslim-Americans. Now, that essay has been followed by a demand for records about McCain's health (yawn), and this, well CT you and I both know what this is all about.
October 21, 2008 7:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Before all of the faux outraged start expressing faux outrage at my insensitivity or whatever (been called quite a bit by faux progressives in this campaign so it's hard to keep track :)), I do believe in the rule of law, and those who slash tires should be appropriately punished. Similarly, those who interfere with the voting process should also be dealt with in accordance with the law, and punished criminally where indicated. But my support for Senator Obama is premised not on those who engage in hooliganism on either side of this contested race.
Once upon a time, I was turned on to an age-old fable called "The Boy Who Cried Wolf", and here I am on the verge of my 50th year, and I know why that fable has endured for the millenia. It's central truth is validated day in and day out on these pages and on the mirror image right-wing scream sites.
We're so sophisticated that we hated Peggy Noonan for pretending to stand in the shoes of the deceased and beloved Senator Wellstone, may he rest in peace, when she wrote about the hecklers of Republican colleagues who dared to attend his memorial, and now we simply adore her because she is critical of Governor Palin.
I see more hypocrisy than unity, not with Senator Obama who I grow to respect more and more each day, but with a huge swath of his supporters.
October 21, 2008 8:05 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for the clarification. I know the trend you're talking about, and it's disgusting; I just didn't happen to see it here. But I'll look over all of this again in a few hours, when the sun's a little higher and my mind is clearer.
October 21, 2008 8:08 AM | Reply | Permalink
With all respect, I disagree with you completely. Harassment of people at polling places with the intent of discouraging them from voting is a crime in North Carolina (N.C.G.S. 163-271). Local police have a duty to intervene and stop this sort of illegal behavior. It would be just as illegal if Obama supporters were doing it.
While I doubt that these voter-harassers had any connection to the McCain campaign, it strikes me that McCain and Palin are inciting this fringe with their increasingly extreme rhetoric at their rallies. Moreover, the McCain-Palin campaign itself is clearly attempting to suppress Democratic voter turnout on an organized, systemic scale, i.e., its efforts in Ohio and other states to challenge voter registration lists and disqualify registrants on the basis of apparent discrepancies with drivers license databases, which aren't vetted for accuracy and were never legally intended for this sort of use.
October 21, 2008 10:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you for your civil response Patrick. I like that.
October 21, 2008 10:59 AM | Reply | Permalink
bslev, your "fairness" concern might be reasonable if the hypocrisy factor wasn't so evident.
I hope you don;t think me rude, but you are forgetting that hypocrisy when you locate your fulcrum somewhere midway between the two sides you seem to have identified.
Unfortunately, your balance is inherently tilted by that big Republican thumb on the scale.
We have become so familiar with comparing apples to cranberries after 8 years of Cheney/Bush, we now seem to automatically accept the imbalance, and adjust our measure to match the error, rather than correcting the error to match the fair balance.
That is my impression of where you started in your entire argument, with a fulcrum moved automatically to the right.
October 21, 2008 12:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, respectfully, if you want to argue that I'm a right winger, then why even bother having a discussion. You win; I'm a right-winger.
October 21, 2008 3:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. Please leave TPM to all the communists here.
October 21, 2008 5:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
The avatar kind of precludes the right winger concern.
But that said, it does seem to me sometimes that you have a bit of a primary-induced PTSD reflexive response to any allegation that conduct by someone on the other side is racially tinged that, in practice, can sometimes tilt over into willful blindness.
October 21, 2008 5:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well I appreciate psychoanalysis from afar almost as much as I enjoy being called a right-winger. I really have no comment Steve, except that your diagnosis disregards that I have tended to respond to herd-like mentalities before the primaries, and I will probably continue to do so afterwards, if I should ever choose to remain here.
Wilful racial blidness? Wow Steve, that hurts very badly like a stab to the gut. I'm done.
October 21, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm amazed at what some of the long time readers are saying. I just posted a blog about some of Biden's comments and was accused (essentially) of being anti-Obama.
Progressive? Diversity? Hell, many posters here are no better than the Hillaryis44 ones are! Or those right of center!
October 21, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
". . . no better than . . . ."
My, my: how judgmental. How superior.
October 21, 2008 8:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nothing wrong with right-wingers that a small dose of enlightenment can't fix... or a few days in a homeless shelter.
Right wingers are fine, as long as they are willing to take the same as they give... and they aren't hypocrites, crying foul only when their interests are at stake, but condoning the same foul if it gets them something they want.
October 21, 2008 5:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Let's not mention the unpleasant reality that the young Muslim American killed in Iraq -- of whom and which fact Powell made such an issue -- would probably be alive if Powell hadn't "closed the deal" on illegally invading and occupying that country.
And we especially want to avoid mention of the fact that Powell participated in the planning and imposition of the WAR CRIME of torture onto Muslims -- without any of those Muslims first having been found guilty of anything other than being Muslim. That "without any first having been found guilty" "not the way" "America" does it, even thugh it did, with Powel's participation.
We will, of course, tell the truth about the "fact" that Powell resigned from the Bush criminal enterprise "in protest" against their actions -- but leave out that he did so AFTER all the harm had been done and implemented.
We wouldn't want to tell the whole truth on the point while he's endorsing OUR candidate*, else we offend or delicate post-partisan feelings, and in order to avid being labeled as engaging in "faux" outrage.
_____
Who put the "candid" in "candidate"?
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Be certain to label truth-telling of which you disapprove, "clearthinking," as "hate," exactly as a good little Republican would do.
October 21, 2008 10:38 AM | Reply | Permalink
I don't disagree with you about Powell's responsibility for the deaths of thousands of our brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters in Iraq. Neither do I disagree with Secretary Powell that there is an ugly presumption held by many that muslim-Americans are not as American as you and me. Nor do I disagree with Secretary Powell's endorsement of Senator Obama.
October 21, 2008 11:03 AM | Reply | Permalink
Seems to me that "ugly presumption" about Muslims was shared by Powell when he participated in the planning and imposition of the WAR CRIME of torture on innocent Iraqis, "all" of whom are Muslim. All because ALL of them are "terrorists".
Didn't bother him none, according to the public pronouncements he didn't make at the time. Or since.
So we're to believe him now -- oh, right: he's talking about AMERICAN Muslims.
October 21, 2008 12:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wish I could rec your comment on the clever rhetoric alone, Bruce!
October 21, 2008 1:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you so much CT. I am very flattered. I know we often disagree, I know we disagreed quite a bit during the primaries, but I think your presence here is invaluable to the conduct of real and good faith discourse.
October 21, 2008 3:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Clever"? I view it as unsurprisingly -- predictable and bland.
October 21, 2008 8:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
Bruce,
I wish everyone here would purchase or Netflix this DVD. It really shows how to tear down a person so effectively they can't get up again.
While this is still a country of law, we should work the process. I have found that nearly all people are fair-minded -- and when presented with a rational argument, they will actually begin to change their views, and isn't that what we really want? This is the reason why large institutions aren't scared of much except bad press.
Some of the outrage reminds me of a teenage rant -- all passion, but not direction. A lot of wasted energy.
I have actually watched the Washington Times video, eager to learn the nature of the activities, but I found very little except people voicing (loudly) their opinions. One thing you didn't get in the summary here is that an Obama supporter is in the middle of that crowd. No one likes him, but no one is beating him up, either.
The tire-slashing is more interesting. I think it's reasonable to send the bill to McCain and request -- politely -- payment. Then, when people want to know how you can link McCain to the slashings, you bring up the rhetoric they use during their speeches.
Most people will connect dots easily.
I remember so clearly during the primary season, how people were commenting on the need to work together after it was over -- the same will be true here, only more so. If we isolate 1/2 the country, we won't accomplish much. And when Obama is in the White House, and truly controlling the conversation, imagine how easy it will be to alley people's misinformed fears? So why are we alienating these people a priori?
We need to keep peeling off the people in the center for Obama... and then the next layer, then the next. This will be the way to isolate the extreme right views.
I am by no means a pacifist (and you and I may differ on that point). But we haven't quite gotten to taking things to the street yet, either, in my view.
There are very hard times ahead -- just the next few months. The financial disaster is just beginning -- not ending. We are at the beginning of a real energy crisis. And most people don't have a clue -- and aren't going to be happy when the next president is required to give a "Moral Equivalent of War" speech.
One thing I do know. Most people here at TPM will be celebrating on Nov 5, having "done it". But that's when the real work begins. If you spend your energy and passion now -- with all these "outrages" -- you will be burned out when you really need it.
I do love your presence here, Bruce!
October 21, 2008 1:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I do recognize this incident as being more severe than others. But it is illegal and should be treated that way. Do you also think its reasonable for obama to be charged for the McCain sign that was fire bombed in oregon?
October 21, 2008 7:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
That would be an interesting link and blog, Oceankat.
Of course, when I talked of sending the bill to McCain, it was solely to generate press and tie it into the general rhetoric at the rallies. In other words, use the event as a way to frame things for Obama.
I'll leave the clever strategies for McCain to follow for his own supporters. No use in giving the opposition access to my noodle!
October 21, 2008 7:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have found that nearly all people are fair-minded -- and when presented with a rational argument, they will actually begin to change their views, . . . .
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You don't get out much.
And in the instant case, which is more usual than not, most -- which is less than "nearly all" -- are decidedly not "fair-minded".
October 21, 2008 8:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
In view of the fact that the slashing of tires is CRIMINAL destruction of private property, it can be called CRIMINAL, and those who did it called both CRIMINAL and THUGS.
So, again, "clearthinker: FUCK YOU on keeping the "language" SANITIZED so your dainty sensibilities are not offended by REALITY.
As for the heckling by whites of black voters: the Obama campaign has standing to take that matter DIRECTLY to FEDERAL court under both the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The REPUBLICAN THUGS engaged in those efforts to intimdate, coerce, and thereby INTERFERE with those voter's rights to vote, NEED not only to be sued for their efforts to violate others' civil rights, but also to be ACCURATELY LABELED what they are AS DEFINED IN LAW, IN ADDITION to the obvious fact that they are THUGS who not only "happen" to be Republicans, but are doing it PRECISELY BECAUSE they are Republicans.
So, again, "clearthinker": when you next get the urge to lecture others for using ACCURATE language of which you so daintily disapprove, STFU.
October 21, 2008 10:27 AM | Reply | Permalink
You write so much like Ripper McCord, it make me wonder...
;-)
October 21, 2008 1:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
I've been a civil rights activist -- note the term ACTIVIST -- for 50 years. I've been a pacifist, and actively anti-war, since 1965. And I'm a legal professional who has been directly confronting lunatic fringers for going on twenty years.
I don't bullshit, and I haven't time to waste with tact and civility where it is only gamed around.
By contrast, you're the one who brags of being "open-minded" -- always a suspect claim. And who pontificates how everyone else should use your choice of language.
October 21, 2008 8:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Given your style, no wonder it's taken us so long to get to where we are today...
October 21, 2008 9:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
In view of the fact that the slashing of tires is CRIMINAL destruction of private property, it can be called CRIMINAL, and those who did it called both CRIMINAL and THUGS.
So, again, "clearthinker: FUCK YOU on keeping the "language" SANITIZED so your dainty sensibilities are not offended by REALITY.
As for the heckling by whites of black voters: the Obama campaign has standing to take that matter DIRECTLY to FEDERAL court under both the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The REPUBLICAN THUGS engaged in those efforts to intimdate, coerce, and thereby INTERFERE with those voter's rights to vote, NEED not only to be sued for their efforts to violate others' civil rights, but also to be ACCURATELY LABELED what they are AS DEFINED IN LAW, IN ADDITION to the obvious fact that they are THUGS who not only "happen" to be Republicans, but are doing it PRECISELY BECAUSE they are Republicans.
So, again, "clearthinker": when you next get the urge to lecture others for using ACCURATE language of which you so daintily disapprove, STFU.
October 21, 2008 10:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Having read through the thread - I think this needs MUCH MORE attention than a side-dish-blog, this needs National and International Media Attention and soon...
Also note the Obama Campaign canvasser who was assaulted in WI just the other day (and Obama was Kind enough to take notice and call the woman to console her)
There is no "equivalence" here - I have seen several stories of yard sighs being stolen or defaced, of Obama supporters being harassed near GOP rallies, reporters being intimidated as well (for their reality-based reporting?)...
Never have I heard of ANY behavior of these kinds reported from OUR side (needs to stay that way!).
These tactics by the McCain/Palin supporters are the acts of cowards and thugs and making these things very Public Information in fact validates exactly the comments by John Lewis that McCain & Co. found so "offensive"... So Okay John who is being offensive now? Either they own these tactics or they don't - so make them take a stand.
October 21, 2008 4:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
You are incorrect. There have been many instances of McCain signs being defaced. In fact 2 Obama supporters were arrested recently in Oregon for fire bombing a large 4 by 8 McCain sign.
Though this tire slashing incident and intimidation of voters at polling places is more severe and should be treated as such.
October 21, 2008 7:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Substantiate those "many instances".
October 21, 2008 8:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't have the time or the inclination to do your research for you. I think you're a jackass and I'm done wasting time with you. If you really care you can put "mccain sign oregon fire bomb" in google and I'm sure that will give you a good start.
October 21, 2008 11:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
The way to bring down a mighty institution is to scare it with press. I know. I've done it.
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Sure you have. All one need do is "scare it with press". As if the press will listen to the little guy instead of the mighty institution.
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Let rationality ring.
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But only according to YOUR definition of it.
October 21, 2008 7:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks for bringing up the Voting Rights Act. You have to obey the damned law.
October 21, 2008 8:06 AM | Reply | Permalink
You are absolutely correct. I would like to see a website where we can discuss possible violatons of the Voting Rights Act that is not premised on engaging in such a discussion for political gain.
My wife and I were in Orlando, Florida on Election Day in 2004 with other union lawyers with the AFL-CIO for the purpose of helping to ensure that African Americans and other minorities in that community were able to cast their ballots. I saw four-hour lines in the hot sun; I understand the reality of voter suppression. That experience guides me, but not to the point where I'm going to belittle that experience for political expediency.
October 21, 2008 8:31 AM | Reply | Permalink
Neo-Nazi scum. Dismantle their fucking excuse for a party - this has been fomented by the candidates themselves.
October 21, 2008 10:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
hear! hear!
October 21, 2008 4:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are times, "clearthinking," when the only way to get the attention of low-lifes, such as these particular McPalin supporters, is to use words THEY understand. Only then is it possible to ENGAGE WITH them and endeavor to educate them to such basics as logic and reason, and the meaning of such words as "hypocrisy".
Don't want to do that because it might muss your hair? Then don't do it. But stay the fuck out of my way when doing that I've been doing SUCCESSFULLY for going on twenty years.
The LAST thing loud-mouthed bullies expect is a response "IN KIND" -- equl volume, pointed an ACCURATE use of terms THEY understand -- that pushes THEM to the wall.
That sufficiently shocks them into silence, and scrambling "intellectually" for a new mental equilibrium, that they are temporarily vulnerable to REASONING.
Keep your fearful constraints TO YOURSELF.
October 21, 2008 10:54 AM | Reply | Permalink
JNagarya wrote,
What exactly have you been doing for the last twenty years? Writing in all caps? Using thinly-veiled emasculatory epithets like "might muss your hair" or "hand-wringing"? Is "McPalin" a term "they" understand? And who is talking about fearful constraints?I'm trying to come up with a coherent reply here, but I'm truly at a loss. In short, though, try to be respectful of others, OK? Remember those valuable social lessons from kindergarten--they're good for a lifetime.
October 21, 2008 11:07 AM | Reply | Permalink
What exactly have you been doing for the last twenty years? Writing in all caps? Using thinly-veiled emasculatory epithets like "might muss your hair" or "hand-wringing"? Is "McPalin" a term "they" understand? And who is talking about fearful constraints?
_____
READ what I wrote.
"Emasculating"? "Hand-wringing"? Those are YOUR projections.
_____
I'm trying to come up with a coherent reply here, but I'm truly at a loss. In short, though, try to be respectful of others, OK? Remember those valuable social lessons from kindergarten--they're good for a lifetime.
_____
Tell it to "clearthinker," who lacks the respect of ALLOWING OTHERS to speak as THEY choose to speak.
And again: READ what I wrote re. your "social lessons from kindergarten" re. the way the McPalin -- do YOU understand that? is it not enough that YOU do? -- hecklers ARE CONDUCTING THEMSELVES in relation NOT to "kindergarten" but LAW which protects those they are heckling.
The reality at issueis not kindergarten, thoug it IS the issue of civility -- but NOT ONLY that. It is ALSO about the LEGAL rights of those being heckled by the uncivil. The point is real simple: those who refuse to conduct themselves civilly either don't know how, so need to be taught, or do know how but refuse, so need to be REMINDED. I've been dealing directly, eye-to-eye-, toe-to-toe, with exactly such THUGS for going on twenty years, and during that time have learned how to deal with them -- AS I SPELLED OUT.
Twits such as "clearthinker" spends far too much time lecturing others about how THEY shoud conform themselves to HIS passive-agression, rather than ectually engage with the THUGS and foreefully persuade them, by FORCE OF REASON, to CHANGE their destructive behaviors. The crude rarely if ever comprehend how crude their behaviors unless "mirrored" on the point -- unless THEY are SUBJECTED to the same behaviors; THEN SOME of them begin to learn why NOT to act so.
October 21, 2008 12:53 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can see we're not going to get very far this time. Maybe we'll converse again later.
October 21, 2008 4:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
I want to rec your comment... not only for its lesson in practicing restraint while tearing someone down effectively, but also for it's entertainment value!
October 21, 2008 1:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I really am at a loss with this character.
October 21, 2008 5:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not a character. But here's a tip: begin with taking a person as they are, from where they are, instead of telling them how they MUST behave according to YOUR dictates.
Same goes for "clearthinker," they selfpromoting "open-minded" "peacemaker" who prevents resolutions of anything by insisting everything be done his way. Because he won't call a thug a thug, no one else is allowed to do so without his lecturing them not to do so.
When I worked groups such superior wet blankets ended up being the person most in focus for being a control freak endeavoring to control everyone else and their interactions in keeping with his own anxieties.
October 21, 2008 8:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
Actually, as I've always said, anyone can be anyone on the Internet. If you care for me to care about your credentials -- because your arguments don't speak for themselves -- then you would have to post your identity and some way of proving that the posted identity is indeed yours.
That said, you also don't know to whom you speak. Something to consider, right?
PS Yes, you are a character. Quite the character.
October 21, 2008 9:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Screw you. What is NOT needed is meddlers who have to "rescue" themselves from every expression that makes them nervous.
October 21, 2008 8:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have never actually seen that happen though I suppose you could be an anomaly. While I have seen confrontations between opposites escalate into shouting matches and even come to blows I've never seen that change anyone's mind. In fact angry exchanges like you advocate have always seemed to harden positions.
October 21, 2008 7:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
I have no idea to whom you're responding, but if it is to me, then perhaps you lack the experience you see to admit lacking, so you don't actually understand what I'm saying and where coming from.
Try this:
Ever hear it said that a bully is actually a coward? And that "standing up" to the bully backs the bully down? That is akin to what I'm saying. I don't back down, I don't tolerate bullshit, and I don't bullshit. You want to be tactful with bullies -- and as result get run over by them? That's your choice. I don't make that choice, and I won't be told I must make that choice.
October 21, 2008 8:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oceankat, didn't you show the other day that this character didn't know as much about the 60s and the Weatherman as he claimed?
I can't find the post, but a link here would be great.
October 21, 2008 9:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ever hear it said that a bully is actually a coward?
---------------------------------------------------
Yeah, I've heard it. My experience is it only works in elementary school. I doubt you can use your tactics to bully racist, sexists, or homophobes to shut up on the construction sites I've been on. Though I'm sure you could provoke some good fights for those who find that sort of thing entertaining.
October 21, 2008 9:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Remember the crew of young Republicans who showed up in Florida to demand the recount be stopped? They were all hired hands, not a single sincere activist among them
I sincerely wonder how well-connected these NC provocateurs were. And isn't it ironic that, now everyone who votes for Obama is accused by the losers of cheating?
When Bush stole the election in 200, we had a legitimate right to question the results. It was a close election, but the evidence of voter fraud was unmistakable. Now that the landslide for Obama has started, they are pre-empting the election with voter fraud red herrings and boogiemen, so when they lose, they can justify their delusions by claiming they got robbed.
No doubt, no matter how big the landslide, those loser Republicans will always blame it on ACORN.
October 21, 2008 11:44 AM | Reply | Permalink
PS; There was a lot of talk back during the primaries, when some were talking about using superdelegates to defy the will of the majority, about race riots if Obama was cheated out of his victory.
Which may well have happened, if the cneaks and cheats had their way. But it didn't happen, the Democratic Party united (thanks in large part to Hillary's party loyalty) and Barack won his well-deserved ticket.
What worries me right now is reflected in this post. Just how bitter will the wingnuts become as they realize they do not represent a majority, and their war-hero-candidate is destined for BobDoledom?
If this story is any example, we can expect the aftermath to be even more bitter than the prelude. They are just now realizing how hopeless their cause has become. Once the election is over, and these intractible, brainwashed wingnuts figure out their delusions didn't carry the day, what sort of revenge shenanigans, legal or NOT, will the bitterheads exact upon our democracy?
Josh offered up the word "revanchist" recently, and it is a very comprehensive term for what we might expect from the right-wing radioheads and hatemongers in the aftermath of an big Obama win, especially if he breaks well over 300 electoral votes..
No doubt, they will claim SOMEONE cheated. nd every ignorant partisan wingnut willbelieve it, despite the landslide.
I would guess that soon after the election is over, the phrase "Republican revanchists" will find a permanent place in history's ever-morphing lexicon. And as for the media, we might soon call "journalists" from the Washington Times and Fox News "revanchist Republican revisionists."
They will try to rewrite the history books to reflect their lies, rather than the truth.
October 21, 2008 12:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is difficult to believe that this brand of behavior still exists. Tire slashing? Voter intimidation is obviously nothing new, but I cannot believe any adult would go to a polling place and attempt to scream at voters. That's what the law is for, regardless of how little consideration this administration has for it. I live in NC and have already voted (yep, still freaking thrilled about it too!) and both my wife and I couldn't help but notice that whole African American families were descending en masse to vote. I was incredibly moved. Now, to hear about this ridiculous bullshit in my own state makes me more angry than I care to admit. Doesn't anybody have a sense of common decency?
And McCain and his legions of the perverse and idiotic are raising ridiculous and scurrilous allegations of voter fraud against THEM?!!? That is patently ridiculous--like JEP noted, those assholes in Florida were PAID by the Bush campaign and RNC to suppress the recount--don't think for a second that they won't try it again.
October 21, 2008 12:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
And being tacful, and polite, and "kum-by-ya" isn't the way to stop them.
Nor, of course, is violence.
October 21, 2008 8:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought long voting lines were supposed to be eliminated by early voting?
Let the last day of voting be for procrastinators, and everyone else needs to vote as early as possible, freeing up the polls for last-minute voters.
if you can (and most of you CAN) VOTE NOW! NOT ON ELECTION DAY!
By keeping the last-day poll lines from stacking up, we take away one of their most subtle tools for voter supression. For a long time now, empowered Republicans (Blackwell, for instance) have created bottlenecks in poor voting districts by providing fewer voting machines than the more-Republican areas.
But early voting takes that pressure off, so take advantage of it and remember, for everyone who votes early, the line on election day gets shorter.
October 21, 2008 12:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
PS; Yes, I voted on Saturday, in the comfort of my home, and mailed it back the same day.
October 21, 2008 12:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
It is very perturbing to read about those events in the blog. So much like behavior 40-50 years ago during the Civil Rights era. The cast seems the same, the issues only slightly different. One culture feels threatened by another, only slightly different, culture.
We have laws now in place to protect voters from harassement, and slashing tires has always been criminal, so this is a matter for the law but I disagree strongly that the Obama campaign be the retributive agent. The US government must step in to see that its laws are observed. If it doesn't, it is clearly signaling to everyone, that it does not care....
October 21, 2008 12:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
Except that --
(1) the DOJ is NOT going to step in; instead, it is violating the DOJ prohibition against politicizing investigations involving elections; and,
(2) absent gov't action, the campaign has a private right of action, and standing to take the case to court instead.
Swift and forceful action is needed as the first sign of problems in order to nip it in the bud.
I'm simply pointng to the fact that THUGS don't STOP being THUGS UNLESS there is equal and opposite "pushback" -- but the latter in keeping with the law.
And it isn't actually that difficult: In the 1960s, these hecklers would have PHYSICALLY INTERFERED with those voters, with VIOLENCE. But the law has sunk into their heads sufficiently that they know better than do that.
They need, though, to learn the next step: don't HARRASS either. And a portion of the cognition that needs to be deconstructed is the "cheating" of "voting on Sunday" rationalizing of the original "I'm better than you" bigotry (the guy complaining about the voting being on Sunday, when HE voted on Saturday):
The RIGHT in law is to VOTE, even if it IS Sunday;
Whether one goes to church on Sunday is a private issue.
The latter isn't a public duty (regardless compounding rationalizing that it is), and does not negate the former in some "either/or" fashion.
October 21, 2008 1:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Jnag, I agree they have a private right to action and that they should use it if the DOJ is disinclined to get involved.
But my point is subtle, let the government declare its position, either by action or inaction. Give it a chance to do the right thing. If it doesn't, well given how badly the DOJ has corroded under Ashcroft/Gonzales/Mukasey then I am hardly surprised. The civil rights division was completely perverted in its functions and the career professionals demoralized or retired.
If they do go to the courts, then what entity or entities will be the defendants?
October 21, 2008 3:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
The DOJ/FBI has PUBLICLY announced that it is conducting a NATIONAL investigation of "voter fraud"/ACORN BEFORE an election -- which DIRECTLY VIOLATES the DOJ/FBI rules on such investigations. We know this from Congressional testimony and discovery re. the US AG firings. The DOJ/FBI was already made clear its position.
There isn't time to waste waiting for them to make clear their position yet again.
What entity? The local GOP. The locals who are to enforce the law but aren't -- including election officals and law enforcement.
One doesn't wait with "creeping lawlessness" until it gets "REALLY out of hand". One sues at first substantive opportunity in order to stop it in its tracks. Gore didn't. Kerry didn't. The did as "clearthinking" lecturs should be done: be polite and tactful. Don't make waves. Talk to the perpetrators and that will be sufficient in itself to persuade them to reason -- even though their only goal is to win, regardles reason and law.
October 21, 2008 8:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
"The US government must step in to see that its laws are observed."
That would require an act of the Executive Branch, which is not inclined to protect Democratic candidates or the voters who support them.
This is the very nature of "lawlessness".
The last 7 1/2 years of political upheaval and national tribulation were the direct result of this creeping lawlessness.
So don't expect much help from the DOJ or the WH, maybe some state lawmakers and enforcers can pick up the mantle, but we won't get any consolation from the very scoundrels we are ousting in the process.
October 21, 2008 1:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
You're right about the echoes from that troubled time (which is what John Lewis was attempting to point out), but there is something that is different. There was still a lot of 1950s mind-set in that time and "getting involved" was a bad thing, something nice people didn't do. Today, I think the majority of people -- who are not hate-filled and deplore this sort of behavior -- are ready to understand that they can and should and **want** to take action: intervening and speaking up where it is safe to do so, getting information including photos and reporting the crimes when they are witnessed, joining those being persecuted to create such a large group that there is no effective way to harm them.
(For those of you not raised on WWII lore, there is a widely-accepted but apparently made-up story that when the Nazis took over Denmark they issued their usual decree that all Jews had to wear the yellow star of David on their clothing, the King, Christian X, himself put on such a star and ordered all of the citizens of Denmark to wear one, to prevent the Nazis from identifying and persecuting the Jews. Although apparently this didn't happen, it was widely believed that that is how he would have reacted and, perhaps as a result, the Jews of Denmark were never ordered to don the star.)
Civil, non-violent resistance and solidarity are very powerful things. Maybe the DOJ will act, maybe not; maybe local officials will act, maybe not. But *people* who know what should not be tolerated or allowed to gain force can always act. Bullies (such as people who slash tires or yell taunts at voters) are cowards - they are always cowards.
It would be very helpful if McCain and Palin let the peaceful majority of their supporters know that this type of behavior was unacceptable and was injuring them. Then you might get some self-policing in those crowds. But, of course, it appears that they want the heated emotions, anger and hate.
October 21, 2008 4:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
The rally in MO that drew 100,000 is a heartening sign: that is ho much change is wanted -- and demanded. ANY efforts to steal the election will doubtless be challenged by massive non-violent "witnessing" and demonstration. Theft will not succeed this time.
I hope the September $150 million is alocated for legal challenges to such efforts.
October 21, 2008 8:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is a terrible day for America. And how sad that McCain and Palin should get away with their racist, terrorist talk without being held accountable for it! Their behaviors are fully UNAMERICAN, and it is amazing to see people standing out at the polls, heckling voters and believing themselves to be Americans?
October 21, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
The bitter, angry, white McCain supporters would be the first with the ropes if lynching was still legal in the south. Violence, intimidation and racism are their stock and trade.
October 21, 2008 1:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
****the Voting Rights Act of 1964***, which states: "No person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, shall intimidate, threaten, or coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for voting or attempting to vote, or intimidate, threaten, or coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for urging or aiding any person to vote or attempt to vote."
If any of us witness voter intimidation or abuse, we should take photos of the perps if we can do so safely, jot down license plates numbers and take notes of the words being used. These need to be turned over to the DOJ monitors who should be at each voting poll station, according to DOJ. -- AND TO THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN.
Be careful,these are thugs we are dealing with. Anyone who is conmfortable committing grand larceny and the Federal crime of voter intimidation is capable of physical violence.
I have lived for along time and seen REpublican hate incitement tactics grow over the years. We need to take our country back NOW or we may never see our democracy again.
October 21, 2008 1:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
****the Voting Rights Act of 1964***, which states: "No person, whether acting under color of law or otherwise, shall intimidate, threaten, or coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for voting or attempting to vote, or intimidate, threaten, or coerce, or attempt to intimidate, threaten, or coerce any person for urging or aiding any person to vote or attempt to vote."
If any of us witness voter intimidation or abuse, we should take photos of the perps if we can do so safely, jot down license plates numbers and take notes of the words being used. These need to be turned over to the DOJ monitors who should be at each voting poll station, according to DOJ. -- AND TO THE OBAMA CAMPAIGN.
Be careful,these are thugs we are dealing with. Anyone who is conmfortable committing grand larceny and the Federal crime of voter intimidation is capable of physical violence.
I have lived for along time and seen REpublican hate incitement tactics grow over the years. We need to take our country back NOW or we may never see our democracy again.
October 21, 2008 1:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is outrageous and needs to be stopped immediately. This makes me ashamed to be a Mccain supporter. These acts are a violation of the constitution. This is not what being a republican is all about.
Show some class! Just because we have a different opinion, doesn't mean we need to resort to ignorance. If these acts continue, we will lose votes and lose the election.
October 21, 2008 5:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Unfortunately, today it IS what being a Republican is about. The 2000 election was not stolen by hecklers. It was stolen by the Republican Party, from the very top of it.
October 21, 2008 8:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Since the reports are true then I have Committed High treason for VOTING for Obama.I mean me as a Republican to do so as I have done is TREASON in there eyes.I will not and I repeat I will not support this GOP ticket!!!!!
October 21, 2008 8:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Who is this America them speak of today?" --Antibalas
October 22, 2008 3:15 PM | Reply | Permalink