When a recount was mandated in Florida under state law since the result was within the half-percent figure specified, the Bush forces hoped that people were basically unaware of this important fact. They sought to sell the idea that Gore's forces were seeking to steal the election. Bush zealots showed up in well organized numbers where recount activity occurred. They wore T-shirts reading "Sore Loserman" in reference to the ticket of Gore and Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut.
The efforts reached riot proportions in Dade County. They achieved the result of closing down activity with recognizable officials being pummeled by the furious mob.
A congressional hearing was ultimately held regarding the numerous pitfalls and abdications of democracy relative to the 2000 presidential election. Roger Ailes appeared and said he was sorry over what happened election night at Fox.
Ailes delivered the same kind of contrite sounding declaration as his boss Rupert Murdoch did Tuesday before the British Parliament.
Like Murdoch, Ailes explained that he was unaware of what was happening. Ailes and Murdoch generally boast about their hands on style and careful attention to detail.
When the going got tough, however, and certain questions would not be answered, an "Ah shucks, I was unaware" was the pushed into the corner response.
An important parting question is what the Fox commentators would have said if Al Gore's cousin had been working a network desk and generated a snowball effect by calling the election in favor of a relative.
Just maybe would we have heard about that earlier? Just maybe could there have been eruptions to make some of the Florida demonstrations pale by comparison?
(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
3
3
3
