Record turn-out in New Hampshire ~ Good News for Democrats

[Bandit]

First thread got locked because I mentioned candidates by name. I didn't start the thread because of any candidates I started it to provide some good news for our side. The last record was set in 1992 when 170,000 turned out to vote. It was similar circumstances except Bush 1 had a primary challenger. This year there were 185,000 people turned out and most were Democrats because Bush* is running un-opposed. Huge turn-out like this means people are riled up and want to make a change. I look upon this as very good news for our side.

[spindoctor]

1. My thoughts exactly

The one thing that the GOP fears most is a big turn out.

And rightfully so >:)

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Good news is always welcome :)

Thanks for sharing!

[OneTwentyoNine]

3. Damn right!!-it was funny listening to FAUX having to give those figures

I thought the number was projected to be much higher than 185K but it still has to show Repigs that people are taking to the streets--even in freezing cold crap weather. Can't wait to see how they spin this...

David

[DiverDave]

4. More and more I

Hear the refrain" I voted for bush, but NEVER again"

I,too, am gratified to see better turnouts.
People are waking up to the fact that this system of government is PARTICIPATORY, the right has used the apathy of the population to bring our republic to it's knees.
I talk to everyone I meet and try and get them involved.

Our vote DOES COUNT (as long as we get a receipt, that is)

[Bandit]

6. I have a friend who has never voted in his life and he is sixty years old

He has not voted out of some convoluted principle but he told me the other day he is so ashamed of what our country has become he plans to vote for the first time. He even asked me how to do it. I think the administration is oblivious to the discontent that is raging through-out the country. There are still a few Americans with a bit of grey matter left and they will turn out.

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

12. Did you show him how?

You should personally get him registered and carpool to the polls with him. Something like this would make me feel great!

[yellowcanine]

5. Turnout in Iowa was also a record, no?

At least the turnout in Iowa was impressive. Also, many of the NH Kerry voters apparently went for Kerry because they saw him as best able to beat Bush. To me this means there is a lot of anti-Bush motivation out there. More and more this election reminds me of 1992 - with one difference. This time a lot of the anti-Bush jr sentiment is related to Iraq - in 1992 Iraq was at least a neutral issue and probably helped Bush sr with some groups (veterans) and in the South. The economic issues won't be as much a factor this time although in some states I believe it is still about the economy.

Of course the winning Democrat (and at this point the money has to be on Kerry) still has to give people a reason to vote for him, particularly to capture independents and swing voters. But the anybody but Bush sentiment is a strong motivator for Democrats this year, as it was in 92. Also, it works against Bush with his base. There are a lot of disgruntled Pubbies out there as well. Most will not vote for a Democrat but if a couple percent stay home in some key states, combined with an above average Dem and Indep turnout, that could be lights out for the shrub (my heart talking there).

OTOH - Watch for Bush to try to use the gay marriage issue to motivate his base. That one truly worries me. Can anyone offer a good argument to ease my fears?

[beyurslf]

7. Exactly.

Iowa had a big turnout too.

[pansypoo53219]

8. anybody who hates Bush

right, cnter, or left will vote this november. we know what the stakes are. if you thought there was a line to vote for Clinton-just wait.

[Justice]

9. I Have Different Numbers

in 1992 - 168,000
in 2000 - 149,000


217,962 people voted yesterday in the 2004 Democratic NH primary

266,348 people in NH voted for Gore in the 2000 General election

[Bandit]

10. Your numbers are even better

I used numbers given on C-span last night as I watched the candidates give their speeches. They used the numbers 170,000 in 1992 and said projected 185,000 this year. I am glad actual numbers are even higher than first suggested. Very good news indeed. Thank you

[americanstranger]

11. And did you notice....

...that nearly 6% of the people who voted in NH's Republican primary voted for Democrats?

Dunno what it means, but it sure is interesting.

-as

[cushla_machree]

13. given the large turnout

in order to make things go more smoothy this election, republicans have taken it upon themselves to order Diebold Electronic Voting Systems for every voting district!