My analysis of the Doug Jones victory:

[diane in sf]

My analysis of the Jones victory in Alabama: in spite of Crosscheck and highly restrictive voter ID requirements Doug Jones won the election by 20,000 votes. Why: two reasons. One, African American voters were highly intelligently organized and motivated and came out in great numbers. Two, Republicans like tRump and especially McConnell did not want Moore running or in office, so they did not bother to f with the vote count on easily hacked machines like they normally would.

I fear for the 2020 election because of the inability to guarantee a fair vote count.

[unblock]

1. quite possible, but there's another view

had republicans powers-that-be wanted, they could have stolen the election for moore, then immediately kicked him out of the senate.

that would enable the governor to appoint a republican in moore's place.


i'm not sure why they wouldn't want to go that route given how tenuous their control of the senate is.
the press wouldn't be kind, but they control so much of the media.

[Hoyt]

2. Fact is when we get out the vote, we win. When we don't, we lose. Hacking of vote count

is not nearly as likely as some -- mostly losers -- try to make it. But, here we are with another loser -- GOPers and Trump -- claiming Alabama's election was rigged. Christ, it's like listening to the losing boxer or football player after a close fight/game.

There will be a fair vote count in 2018 and 2020, especially if we are vigilant. And Democrats will win if they get out the vote despite some easily overcome obstacles like gerrymandering.

If you still suspect it's rigged, volunteer to work the polls.

My late wife used to do it and really liked it, despite some 20 hour days. You usually get paid too. In fact, I told her the first time she went that poll workers in predominantly white areas were often quite rude to minorities. She didn't believe me, but came home and said I was right -- one of the few times -- and it ticked her off the way they treated some minority voters. After that, she worked to make sure that didn't happen when she was around.

Anyway, if we are vigilant, vote, help the elderly and poor, etc., we'll win. Help them get registered long before election. If your state accepts ballots by mail, help people do that rather than waiting to stand in a long line, help folks get to the polls, etc.

We will win.