2004 Presidential Election
Well this is something that I didn't expect, the Denver Post has endorsed George W. Bush for another term [October 24, 2004, "George W. Bush for president"]. They write, "Since 2001, Colorado has lost more jobs than we've gained, and the ones we've gained pay less than the ones we've lost. We pay less in taxes, but our household and medical expenses have skyrocketed. Ninety thousand of us have lost our health coverage. Washington is ringing up record deficits and sticking the next generation with the bill. In Iraq, Colorado-based military units and reserves are deployed in a hostile environment for questionable purpose and uncertain result..."
"Bush has labored erratically since his 2001 inauguration, and his first-term performance seems to have cheered and angered Coloradans in equal numbers. But decisiveness is a crucial characteristic in the showdown with the nation's elusive enemies. We believe he meets the test, and we aren't sure about John Kerry. So the president has our endorsement for a second term, even as we call on him to steer a more moderate course that is in keeping with his campaign appearances, but not his first-term performance. It's no secret that we part company with the president over many issues."
"Two glaring sore spots are his obsession to cut taxes even while piling up record deficits, and his mishandling of all things Iraq. He squandered global good will by taking a 'my way or the highway' approach to matters of global warming, international law, Iraq weapons inspections and ultimately the Iraq invasion. He bows to corporate preference in matters of energy and environment, and his education funding levels leave far too many children behind..."
"Our support for Bush is tempered by unease over the poor choices and results of his first term. To succeed in his second-term, Bush must begin by taking responsibility for U.S. failures in Iraq, admit his mistakes and adjust U.S. strategy..."
"The heart of the president's economic plan is based on one very good idea - tax cuts to stimulate economic growth - but he's tilted its impact to favor asset growth for wealthy families rather than business growth."
"Such tax cuts do not stimulate the economy, and the recovery has been a tepid one in Colorado and elsewhere. Some on the far right want to use tax reduction to downsize government, but since Bush also continues to spend - unbelievably, he's never vetoed a spending bill - his tax cuts just add to the dangerously high deficit. His successor, whenever, will have to raise taxes to pay down the debt."
It seems that all was not united amongst the Post editorial staff. Here's an opinion piece from Bob Ewegen and Julia C. Martinez endorsing John F. Kerry for president [October 24, 2004, "Kerry's appeal: 'America can do better'". They write, "After four years in office, President Bush is a known quantity, and for many of us, what we know isn't good. His standing in many world capitals is checkered by the invasion of Iraq, and his record on fiscal and environmental matters is frightening. No wonder his reelection is in doubt..."
"Kerry is committed to balanced budgets, and as we can see all too clearly, Bush is not. The Clinton administration bequeathed to Bush a 10-year projected surplus of $5.6 trillion. Bush now projects a 10-year deficit of $2.9 trillion - an incredible $8.5 trillion reversal of fiscal fortune. The deficit for the 2004 fiscal year (just ended) was $413 billion. These record deficits are being posted at a time when the government should be accumulating retirement reserves. The first baby boomers will start drawing Social Security in just four years and begin receiving Medicare in 2011."
"Kerry voices strong support for environmental and wilderness protection and seeks to lessen the nation's dependence on foreign oil..."
"If Stevens and O'Connor were to come off the (U.S. Supreme) court, a re-elected Bush would have the opportunity to appoint a pro-life majority that could reverse the abortion choice ruling known as Roe vs. Wade."
"A review of the president's record on the economy, the environment and foreign affairs shows he has been generally consistent in his policies and priorities. But holding fast to failing policies is hardly a virtue. Kerry is right - America can do better."
Electoral-vote.com: "There are 18 new polls today, mostly in battleground states, but no states switched sides there. However, a change comes from a most unlikely location. A new poll in Hawaii shows the race is tied there. If it is really true, this is very bad news for Kerry. He was supposed to win easily there. Of course he could fly out there this week for some much needed vacation time and call it campaigning, but I doubt that he will. As a result of Hawaii becoming a tie, Bush now takes the lead in the electoral college, 254 to 253. Talk about a tight race where every vote counts."
"The New York Times has a story today saying that both campaigns have abandoned 39 states and D.C. and are putting all their efforts into 11 states. These states, worth 135 electoral votes, are Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire and Ohio (which Bush won in 2000) as well as Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin (which Gore won in 2000). My best guess is that Michigan, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania and going to go for Kerry and there is little Bush can do now to prevent that. Bush has the edge in Colorado and probably Nevada, although his promise to bury all of the nation's nuclear waste at Yucca Mountain, which some experts feel is geological unstable, could still hurt him there."
"Missing from the list are Arkansas, Arizona, Tennessee, and West Virginia. All have been close at one time or another. Apparently both sides feel they are in the bag for Bush, or at least, low priority. I tend to agree, although if the Democratic turnout is exceptionally large, there could be surprises in one or more. Put in simple terms, it mostly comes down to Ohio and Florida. Those are the big prizes."
Taegan Goddard: "Florida - Kerry 46, Bush 46 (St. Petersburgh Times/Miami Herald); Missouri - Bush 50, Kerry 45 (Rasmussen); Illinois - Kerry 50, Bush 42 (Chicago Tribune)."
Robert Cringely: "The Diddy Factor: Why we probably shouldn't put too much faith in presidential tracking polls."
8:26:43 AM 
|
