November 3, 2004

The New York Times > Washington > Election 2004 > News Analysis: President Seems Poised to Claim a New Mandate

The results are not final, but it seems the Times believes that Bush is the winner. This quote below reveals, I think, the fundamental reason that Bush wins: Voting 'against' is not nearly as powerful as voting 'for' a candidate. I believe this to be the fatal chink in the Democrats' armor. They didn't have a strong 'for' candidate.

If Bush is declared the winner, it will be an opportunity to make progress in the appointment of Federal judges, one of the most important considerations that will determine the cultural flow of this society. The Senate Democrats, led by Senator Leahy, will undoubtedly continue to vehemently oppose Bush's nominees, despite the increased Republican Senate majority.

"Mr. Kerry was counting on millions of first-time Democratic voters to carry him through, and millions apparently did turn out, but probably not enough to make the difference. Many of those who chose Mr. Kerry said they considered their vote to be against Mr. Bush, not for their candidate, according to surveys of voters leaving the polls."

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