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[ttlintx]

Some funky stuff going on in Iowa again. You probably already know. Greta has a post up on her website, from Iowa. Here is the video the lady sent in.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5h5n5u3Kvs

[Dolores D'Errico, Miami Florida]

So here we are now on October 28th; and, nothing has been done about any of this! I have just discovered this site today; but, have been thinking these thoughts mentioned here for quite some time. I was at first going to change party affiliation; but, have now decided that I am going to stay in the Dems; and, if there is ANY opportunity which presents itself for me to join other disgruntled members to oust these thugs and criminals which are running our party, then my hat is in the ring! I have never felt this way in an election in my life....it has been just disgusting. I stood in line for 3 1/2 hours on Sunday to vote for McCain and Palin; and, I will continue to vote for who I want to and to hell with the party bosses. At least McCain proved his integrity when he refused to come home ahead of other POWs even though he was injured and without real medical help which is much more than can be said for Obama. I am so grateful that you have made this site. You would be surprised at how many voters there are who do not even understand what a "caucus" is. I have passed this site on to the ones I know and will continue to do so. I agree that caucuses should be done away with. I am tired of going to the polls to vote for the "Lesser of Two Evils". It makes me wonder if George Washington was also the "Lesser of Two Evils" (probably so). The power needs to be in the hands of the people and it is painfully obvious that it is slipping away here....

[Rhonda, Texas]

Why don't you send this to Fox News? They could do wonders with this information and inform the American people.

[Jo-Ann Wulf]

All the information and all the crooked thing's Obama had done and so far gotten away with everything.
Acorn voter fraud and nothing seems to be done about this.
How can any candidate win with all the cheating Obama has gotten away with?
What is the point of an election if people are going to sit back and watch it be stole and do nothing?
I hope people on both sides has heard and seen enough to know Obama is taking the U.S right in to the arms of socialism and a dictatorship.
Are the Amerian people going to sit back and let this happen?
Hillary & Bill Clinton know all about obama's socialism plans for the U.S.
Looks to me it really was never about the people,it is party and power.
Rich people have homes all over the world and they can afford to leave for four years, but the poor and middle class do not have that luxury.
The poor and middle class are siting ducks.
If the American people will not set a side party and solely be American citizens and stand up for what is true,right and decent,then we will have to live our life under socialism and a harsh dictatorship under te rule of Barack obama.
We all should see before he is elected our freedom of speech is being shut down.
If we don't have freedom of speech we are no different then Europe and other counties that live with no personal rights.
These are most sad day's in the Unites States of American.

[Chris Kendell]

It appears, from what I have read of your findings that the same argument could be made for the 2000 General Election when Bush stole the election from Gore. In that election Gore clearly won the popular vote and yet he lost the Electorial vote and hense the Presidency.

The simple fact seems to be that the Electorial College and State Caucus Systems don't work. They don't accurately represent the will of the people.

I will say that you conclusion that the Texas Two Step was fraught with fraud because all voters who didn't vote for either Clinton or Obama would have been split evenly between the two is a falicious one - "assuming the eliminated voters would split their votes in the same proportion as the rest of the electorate." This assumption doesn't take into account that the Texas Caucus was held immediately after the primary and I presume the results from the Primary were well know by the time of the Caucus, so that people knew, for instance, that it was now a race between Clinton and Obama. That changes everything.

I suggest that it says more about the electorate's feelings about who they want to lead than any voter fraud. For instance, several people I know, including myself, were Edwards, Richards, or Biden supporters during the heat of the campaigning and after our various candidates of choice dropped out we all independantly came to the same conclusion and agreed that the best candidate for office was Obama - some of it was that he was NOT Hillary but that is beside the point - we all choose Obama as our final preferance after the dust had settled. Perhaps this better explains what happened in the Texas State Caucus. So, while statistically they would tend to be split evenly between the remaining candidates - that doesn't appear to be what has happened here.

Further, I have to agree with the writer from Oregon who states their system seems to work well and has the added benefit of being nearly fraud-proof as well as inexpensive to hold.

Finally, why do we have to register to vote? Canada does it simply by the fact that one is a citizen. The information on every citizen in America Exists and if we used it to send ballots out to each and every citizen (of age) then we could better ensure that the will of the people was truely being represented in our elections.

[Randall]

Great website and quite an eye opener! The most shocking aspect of your entire initiative is the fact that after all of the deceit and thugness lashed on her supporters, Hillary supports the guy.

Has she always been as spineless as she is today?

The supporters of Hillary should really stand behind Sarah Palin. She is truly a woman who is not afraid to do what is right for our country. Just ask Ted Stevens!

[Citizen K.]

I voted in the Washington state caucus at an elementary school in Bellevue. It was orderly and respectful. Both Clinton and Obama supporters spoke to the group at large before the precincts caucused separately. I witnessed no incidents of pressure or intimidation from supporters of either candidate. Was it crowded and loud? Certainly. But tempers were held in check. Moreover, my fiancee had the same experience at a different caucus.

For the most part, the eyewitness accounts here seem like sour grapes. Some are factually wrong. For example, it is impossible to vote in both the Democratic and Republican caucuses -- as one person claimed could be done -- because there were no Republican caucuses. Descriptions of Obama intimidation for the most part sounded like superior organization.

Dr. Long, with all due respect, your contrast of the Washington state caucus and the primary results is meaningless. Because the primary did not choose delegates, neither candidate campaigned and the turnout was small. So we don't know what the outcome of a primary that chose delegates would have been; to argue that a "beauty contest" primary does provide an accurate indicator is simply fatuous.

Also, there's a general misconception here that a party nominating process has the same obligation to broad participation as a general election. Not so: The object of a nominating process is to choose the best candidate for president. Caucuses unquestionably give greater weight to activists and committed party members at the cost of a wider turnout. A primary secures broader participation at the cost of crossover voting and less knowledgeable voters. I believe that the Democratic party is best served by a combination of primaries and caucuses. (What the Republicans do is their business.)

Fraud had nothing to do with Senator Clinton's defeat. She was beaten by a better politician with a better campaign and a better strategy. She herself does not allege fraud and to my knowledge never has. That's good enough for me.

[Linda Hand]

Your investigative piece was appalling. I am a Republican and often wondered how this candidate, Obama, could defeat the Clinton's at their own game. It appears that they had no chance and the fix was truly in. I hope your piece will be
studied after the election and your party will clean up its act for the country's sake!

[polisciteacher]

I have always thought the caucus process was unfair solely because not everyone who wants to is able to participate. Your research confirms and increases my concerns.

I must say, however, that as a conservative, I wonder if you would be complaining had Senator Clinton won the nomination despite the Dems' use of the caucus system and Obama supporters' alleged abuse of it? Or is this really all about HRC only?

Will your fellow disillusioned and disenfranchised Dems be pollwatching on Election Day 2008 so that you can report cheating by Dems on behalf of Senator Obama? And are you you monitoring other cheating that is going on right now (homeless voting, ACORN voter registration policy and practice, for starters)?

If your objections are principled and not merely sour grapes, you should be watching what is and will be happening, agitating in the mainstream media and to conservative bloggers and talk show hosts, and shouting from the rooftops daily. Our democracy truly is at stake here!

[Joe]

I believe you are wasting your time supporting McCain.

There is nothing to be gained, short of improving future elections, in claiming voter fraud. The primaries are over. Hillary wasn't cheated, she played a very hardball game and, slightly ungraciously, (title 9 lets me use this analogy) lost in overtime. It is time to move on.

If women are to be treated equally, as I agree they should, we need to also treat them as equals in evaluating their performance in and for any position. Our choice must be based upon the substance of their accomplishments and ideas, not their gender.

To support McCain because he selected Palin is short sighted and immature. True maturity would have us realize that women (and handicapped folks, blacks, other minorities) have been held down by societal bias for far too long. Special attention to womens' science and math programs, for example, would be a good idea and help to level the field somewhat. But in the end, it is each individuals actions which should determine their fate.

We're in the process of selecting the next president and vice president, not a gender based popularity contest. You damage womens' positions when you make your choice based upon gender, not qualifications.

Election choices are bad enough in this country right now. Who in their right mind would want to be president? Are the two choices we've ended up with the best we can do? McCain seems to want to be president as some sort of lifetime goal. However, the policies he's promoting are much of what got us where we currently are. If Obama is elected, I only have hope that he can manage the country, I don't have any concrete evidence to feel assured he will.

Ultimately, for true equality to prevail, we all need to base our votes on objective matching of the closeness of the candidates positions to our own. Any other method has a higher level of bigotry involved.

[Jake]

It would take years to undo (if ever) the damage that Barack Obama and his gang of fraudsters have done to the Democratic Party. Many of us centrists were hanging by a thread and this shameful 2008 Democratic Party primary season was the final straw. Any objective observer knows that Hillary Clinton was the true choice of the people, because these Obama thug-invested, rigged caucus "victories' were completely fraudulent and not at all representative of the will of Democrats and/or Independents. God bless you for your hard work in chronicling this travesty for posterity sake.
ABOLISH CAUCUSES NOW!

[truthisgold]

Dr. Long, what an incredible undertaking and what an incredible site! We are blessed to have you working on this and it is my sincerest hope that one day even main stream media will feel compelled to report this travesty. Although it has been devastating to learn, it would be even more so if you had not initiated this endeavor. Your work has not gone unnoticed--President Clinton himself has apparently seen it and referred to it in one of his recent interviews.

Please know how much you are appreciated and needed in our fight to restore free elections to the American people.

[LISA-L]

The whole Dem,election was a fraud. Obama is a fraud.I still asking myself: WHO IS THIS MAN,BEHIND THE MASK??? I feel helpless, because my impression,we just have to accept the fraud,without be able to do the right thing. Prove the truth.

[Ralph Teague]

We were one of the first to send you our experience about possible fraud at our caucus. When it was evident that Hillary was not going to win the primary we changed our registration from Democrat to unaffiliated knowing that we could not vote for Obama and wanting to show our displeasure. When Sarah Palin came on the scene we quickly decided we would vote for her. Today we got a glimpse on TV that idicated that you were supporting Sarah. If this is true, gratulations! Your efforts to expose caucus frauds is appreciated so much. We would want to see caucuses eliminated.

[Penny for your thoughts]

Dr Long,
Wonderful website! This should be in book form for future generations!

In all honesty if Caucusing is to continue, DNC needs to have it done the following day when citizens can voice their concerns, not at midnight when we're sleeping!

My guess you won't be invited on Oprah just like Sarah Palin won't be.

Mind you I'm from a Republican family but I'm INDEPENDENT. Hillary not getting this obvious deserved nomination is yet another example of the under qualified man getting the job that a qualified woman didn't get.

Thanks again for this website!

[zippy_pinhead]

I read with interest your article on possible Alaska caucus fraud. I am one of the blog posters you quoted as a resource. It's not at all clear you presented clear evidence of organized fraud in the Alaska caucus.

Your point: "Voter Disenfrancisement - Long lines in the middle of winter caused some voters not to go to the polls and others to leave."

Disenfranchisement is one thing - yes, we all had to endure some hardship to reach the polls, and those who chose to turn back were disenfranchised. That needs to be fixed. However, in order to show fraud, you would have to assume that more Clinton supporters were turned back by the crowds than Obama supporters. This is unlikely. It is more likely that the proportions of Clinton supporters in the crowds turned away was similar to the proportion that made it into the caucus site.

For a little historical perspective, which your article lacks, 15 persons caucused in my precinct in 2004. In 2008, we had over 250. Despite moving to a larger facility in 2008, the state Democrats unfortunately failed to plan for the crowds as they probably should have. But fraud? Doubtful.

Your point: "Voter Intimidation - Obama supporters chanting "Yes we can" probably discouraged some Clinton supporters from publically declaring their support for Senator Clinton."

Caucuses are certainly interactive, I'll give you that. I was an Edwards supporter (and a Dean supporter in 2004), and so a much, much smaller minority than Clinton supporters. Regardless, I received no ill will nor aggressive lobbying by the other 250 persons in my precinct caucus. However, the caucus process does force participants to stand by their convictions, and unlike a primary provides an opportunity to convince other participants to join their side. (Indeed, a photograph from the caucus published on a blog shows two Gravel supporters, who said they were standing and *waiting* for supporters of other candidates to come over and lobby them.) While I can see how a secret ballot would help those who are easily swayed, afraid to stand for their convictions or simply uncomfortable in crowds, I did not see this as an issue in the Anchorage caucus.

Certainly, the 2008 primary exposed weaknesses in the Democratic caucus process. But don't underestimate the sheer thrill of being in such a huge crowd of Democrats in this red, red state. The sense of community, shared purpose and spirit was, I am sure, enough to boost the confidence of many Democrats as we went forth to support our candidates and causes in the following year. Many of us suspect this experience played no small part in convincing our Democratic mayor to finally make his decision to run for Senate against our 40-year Republican incumbent. The close of my blog posting says it best,

"People stepped up to take charge, from the man directing traffic to the guy finding a chair for a disabled woman to the mayor stepping in to help run the show to the 20 people who stood up to be chosen by us as delegates.

It was confusing. It was crowded. It was good-natured. It was awesome.
Not feeling quite so lonely in this red state tonight."

[Marilyn Rawa]

Dear Dr.Long,
I thank you for your time and research. From the beginning when the media wave came and the bandwagon was for the unknown Obama, honestly I was and still am very afraid of society not questioning. I pray that the people will wake up soon and see the unjustice that has taken place. Its people like you that makes me feel safe with the truth. I thank you for validating what I've been feeling.
You take care,
Sincerely, Marilyn Rawa

[Judy Brock]

A great website! Keep it factual as the days go on.

I have written letters to my representative and senators explaining why Clinton supporters feel estranged from their party and I have referenced this website. The failure to address the caucus issue cannot hold up. I am encouraging others to write their senators and representatives.

Thank you for working so hard in support of our democracy.

[elizabeth]

Thanks alot, realy great site, I will add it to my favorites...

[moderationist]

The only remedy is strict voter ID with picture. And a national voter database, IMO. All the phony BS about this is by the enablers of massive voter fraud. The fraud will get more and more violent, if nothing is done.

[moderationist]

If the thugs get away with this, the next time they will be far wrose and far stronger. The question in my mind is who is behind this, and where did the considerable amount of money necessary come from? Highly organized and highly funded fraud must not be swept under the carpet.

[D.Fitzpatrick]

Dear Dr. Long, thank you for creating this website. It answered many questions I had about the primary election vs. caucus.

How can we work to elimate the caucus process? I know nothing will be done before this election, and probably not after, because the respective "leaders" of the Democratic party would not be able to manipulate the results to suit themselves. I will keep your web site on my computer for further information. If I can help to eliminate the caucus fiasco please let me know.

[moderationist]

If you give up the fight, you will turn the DNC into a thuggocracy.

[John]

Dam good site you should consider fileing a lawsuit aginst the DNC and the Obama camp using the info from this site

[Billy N. Crisp]

One crucial factor you are
not considering is Republican Party Raiding.
This was crystal clear after the Feb. Super Tues.
results. Before the South Carolina Priamry is was apparent that Race would be the driving force in the election. As you went from south to north there should have been a trend from black voter base to white voter base, But there wasn't. Cornbelt States and the Upper Western States were complete blowouts for Obama. This simply is not possible. Consider the following. -Subtract the 250k
Republicans that voted in the Democratic Primary in
Pennsyvania, and Hillary
Clinton wins by 15-16%. In order to write a consice
novel on this primary election you must include all the culprits, and I strongly believe Republicans
authored part of this story. Yours Respectfully, Billy