02/11/2004 8:20:32 pm
Record Turnout - But Will Somebody Actually Win? Here in Washington DC, the only state where a majority has voted for the Democrats in every election since 1972, it is apparent that many people turn up to vote. The record from 2000 when 106 million Americans voted is expected to be surpassed; at least 120 million are expected this time. One reason is that the country is very divided and the opinions are strong. The candidates are not so much campaigning for the voters on the margin as they are trying to get their core voters to the polls. This creates more confrontation than usual. But the race is very tight. Thus Bush yesterday gave seven speeches in six states. They both continued campaigning today on election day, which is unusual. Actually they ran into each other yesterday in Milwaukee and Bush had the Kerry campaign waiting at the airport as Air Force One took off. In the elections for Congress, however, it seems certain that the Republicans will keep the majority. This is a neglected issue in the debate. If Kerry wins, he will face a Republican majority in Congress - like Clinton did - which will make it hard for him do accomplish anything. Both candidates say that they believe we will have a winner tonight, but the situation in several swing states implies that thare may be good room for the lawyers again. So we cannot be sure that any of the two will win for some time. In USA Today, you can read President Bush here arguing for the final time why he wants to be re-elected and Senator Kerry′s arguments can be read here.