Today's the day! What's your prediction - Bush or Kerry?

[tex111]

Unfortunately I think Bush will win again. I think the latest Bin Laden tape will actually help him and make the difference. What do you guys think?

[nasa]

bush I reckon

[welshmum]

I'm going to go for Kerry but I think there'll be protracted legal battles and we won't know the outcome for some time.

[RudyDudy]

Sadly I think you might be right tex111. I just can't imagine Kerry pulling it off somehow - I think that Bush has created such a climate of fear that when it comes to it people will go with the gun-toting devil they know

[melsy]

I think Bush looks the far stronger candidate as its better the devil you know situation. Has anyone seen the prgrammes on channel 4?? , they really are having it in for USA and its so called democracy.

[tex111]

Which program? I don't see much TV but that sounds interesting. Is it at all balanced or just slagging off the States? I'm open to honest criticism but the slaggings have started to get to me. It doesn't make me angry, just really sad.

[nasa]

tex are you from texas? (just being nosey!)

[tex111]

Yes, from Dallas. Are you from Houston? Just going by your name.

[RudyDudy]

the Jon Snow programmes, Melsy? I saw the one last week about the financing of the elections and how corrupt it all is. It was pretty balanced in that it had it in for both Democrats and Republicans! It was well put together and reported imo but i think c4 do that sort of thing well.

[nasa]

ah tex, no nasa is just a new name I have (used to be krocket; wanted rocket but but it's already taken so nasa was nearest I could think of)
My brother lives in Austin though - he has lived there for 20 years (is an american citizen now). Austin is lovely isn't it. Don't really know dallas.

[RudyDudy]

There was an article reprinted from the NY Times in the Observer this week which was much scarier...a profile of Bush showing how he governs 'by instinct' as he believes he is a messenger from God and so doesn't need to analyse facts...

[nasa]

I saw that rudy - pretty worrying I agree

[Mommy2Ro]

I'm a US expat (Chicagoan gone NewYorker, in London 1.5 years). Doing all I can to get Bush out of office.

Melsy, I disagree. At this point, after what Bush has done to not only the US but the world, I think MUCH better the devil you don't know...

[melsy]

2 programmes ; one was withj John snow and his views on how all the campaigns are paid for , especilly with 527 groups an the 2nd was thje fakery of the capaigns/ tv adverts and how they are manipulated to suit candiadate and are not democratic , the prpoganda of the churches and how preists subliminally get you to vote for one particular candidate as they are supported by 527 groups and the aggressive and slansderous tactics used against the oponents in adverts paid for by 527 groups.

[tex111]

RudyDudy, Jon Snow sounds interesting. I'll have to look out for that. Hope they haven't all finished now.

Nasa, Oh yea I've seen you as krocket on other threads. Austin is gorgeous. I went to the University of Texas there. Definitely my fave city in Texas. My sister lives there now. Ironically, Austin has the largest gay community in the States behind San Francisco. Wonder how they feel about Bush's proposed amendment concerning gay marriage! Unfortunately probably not enough people anti-Bush in Texas to make a difference. I'm sure he'll win the state by a vast majority.

[Mommy2Ro]

PS: Saw programme last night (not even sure which channel that was on0 "The Porn King vs The President"... Found it very upsetting that there are so many Americans that think that religion should play a role in government. It seems to indicate that all Muslims, Jews, Hindus, etc should leave the country or not be counted and hush up. Terrible and v depressing. Makes me sad...

[nasa]

it's funny isn't it tex - it's like an oasis of liberalism in a sea of conservatisim. I'm very fond of Austin; the university looks lovely - do you go back much? YEs, I don't think Bush will have much trouble winning texas!

[tex111]

Melsy, this is probably a stupid question and I should probably know the answer but what are 527 groups?

[albert]

Unfortunately I reckon it will be Bush again as does DH (I checked with him this morning) but I agree with Welshmum on the legal battle thing.

[melsy]

I didnt say I agreed , It was just the point being put accross by one of the programmes with regards to democracy.

There was also a programme on how Bush is leading from his instincts given to him by god.

[tex111]

Nasa, I hadn't been to Austin for years but went in May for my sister's graduation and had a brilliant time. Went mad in the uni shop so we all have UT T shirts and DS has a 'Future Longhorn' sippy cup!

[melsy]

not sure Im good at explaining things tex , but they are the part groups who are allowed to adverstise for the party but not the candidate and receieve alot of money from private doners, the 527 number is the groups tax code from what i remember.

[Mommy2Ro]

There was a woman on the show last night that said, "...and the American was founded on religion, so..." I was shouting at the TV (nearly waking up the baby), "America was founded on the idea of FREEDOM of religion!"

Bush sounds just like a religious fanatic terrorist that what he does is "right" bc he's guided by (his) god. It's so ironic that it makes nauseated.

[tex111]

The whole Bush and God thing is just terrifying. His whole presidency has been so devisive, Christian/Non-christian, gay/straight, etc, etc. So bad for the country.

I heard one BBC commentator (can't remember who now) talking about the Bin Laden tape and saying that Al Quada like Bush being president because he makes terrorism the number one issue and keeps the American people afraid, which gives the terrorists more power. So scary.

[melsy]

Yes thats sort of how it looks mummy2ro, very scary indeed.

[Mommy2Ro]

Tex, Absolutely (re: GW feeding into terrorism, making such people pleased)... oh, and not to mention all the business he's done w them in the past... He is a big fat bag of contradictions in the worst way.