2000s-elections

"Was it appropriate for the Supreme Court to intervene in a dispute that almost always was left up to the states, even over federal posts? Given that there was a specific constitutional amendment and a specific federal statute dealing with contested presidential elections—and both of those provisions dictated that Congress alone should be the arbiter—did the justices adequately justify their decision to step in? (The 12th Amendment and the Electoral Count Act of 1887 spelled out the details; in drafting the latter, Congress specif­ically decided the court should play no role.)"

"In the days following the presidential election (of 2000), there were so many stories of African Americans erased from voter rolls you might think they were targeted by some kind of racial computer program. They were. I have a copy of it: two silvery CD-ROM disks right out of the office computers of Florida Secretary of State Katherine Harris. Once decoded and flowed into a database, they make for interesting, if chilling, reading. They tell us how our president (George W. Bush) was elected – and it wasn’t by the voters."

"The Florida Division of Elections announced the next day that Bush had won the state by 1,784 votes. However, this margin was so small that Florida law required a machine recount of the state, which reduced Bush’s lead to 327. The presidential choice on about 170,000 ballots could not be read by machine. Of these, 60,000 were “undervotes” — for instance, the voter had not fully punched through the ballot’s relevant perforated box. The remaining 110,000 were “overvotes,” in which the voter may have voted normally for Bush or Gore but also wrote in their name. The Gore campaign requested a recount by hand in four heavily Democratic counties. The Bush campaign sued to stop this. The Gore campaign’s efforts then disappeared for the next month into a mind-numbingly complex legal process, overflowing with ballot-design and deadline minutiae that no normal American could follow. Meanwhile, the Republican Party conducted a nationwide PR campaign with a message Americans could follow: that Gore was a pathetic sore loser who simply would not accept that he’d been defeated. Much of the national media eagerly adopted this frame."

"Bush v. Gore is the Supreme Court's worst example of recklessness since the Dred Scott decision in 1857 that said Congress lacked power to ban slavery in the territories. Several justices realized how bad their ruling was. Justice Antonin Scalia reportedly told a colleague that the equal protection reasoning about Florida procedures was "a piece of shit." Scalia, being Scalia, never indicated he regretted it, instead advising critics, "Get over it!" His justification for court intervention, he told an interviewer, was that "we were the laughingstock of the world—the world's greatest democracy couldn't conduct an election." Somehow Scalia—the great constitutional textualist—omitted to cite where in the Constitution he had unearthed a "laughingstock of the world" clause that allowed the court to ignore explicit text that left to Congress the resolution of electoral disputes for the presidency."

"Secretary of State Harris declared George W. Bush winner of Florida, and thereby president, by a plurality of 537 votes over Al Gore... Over 50,000 voters wrongly targeted by the purge, mostly Blacks. My BBC researchers reported that Gore lost at least 22,000 votes as a result of this smart little black-box operation. The first reports of this extraordinary discovery ran, as you’d expect, on page one of the country’s leading paper. Unfortunately, it was in the wrong country: Britain. In the USA, it ran on page zero – the story was simply not covered in American newspapers. The theft of the presidential race in Florida also grabbed big television coverage. But again, it was the wrong continent: on BBC Television, broadcasting from London worldwide – everywhere, that is, but the USA. Was this some off-the-wall story that the British press misreported? Hardly. The chief lawyer for the U.S. Civil Rights Commission called it the first hard evidence of a systematic attempt to disenfranchise Florida’s Black voters. So why was this story investigated, reported and broadcast only in Europe, for God’s sake?"

"George W. Bush spoke to the nation for the first time as president-elect tonight, declaring that the "nation must rise above a house divided" after one of the closest and most disputed presidential elections in United States history. Speaking from the podium of the Texas House of Representatives, precisely 24 hours after the United State Supreme Court ended a five- week-long dispute by halting a recount of Florida's disputed votes, and thus preserving Mr. Bush's razor-thin lead, the 54-year-old governor devoted his entire speech to themes of reconciliation. "Whether you voted for me or not, I will do my best to serve your interests," he said, "and I will work to earn your respect.""

"Consumer activist Ralph Nader scoffed Wednesday at suggestions that his presidential campaign merely drains liberal votes from Democrats, saying that shrinking either major party is "exactly what we want." He pointed to studies of the 1996 election when he was on the ballot in California, and said he drew almost as many Republican voters as Democrats. "Our two parties are basically one corporate party wearing two heads and different makeup," Nader said. "There is a difference between Tweedledum and Tweedledee, but not that much.""

"Hoping to boost Ralph Nader in states where he is threatening to hurt Al Gore, a Republican group is launching TV ads featuring Nader attacking the vice president. The ads by the Republican Leadership Council will begin airing Monday in Wisconsin, Oregon and Washington, all states that are part of Gore's base and where Nader is polling well. The group plans to spend more than $100,000 at first and hopes to raise more over the weekend. While the ads boost Nader, they are a clear attempt to help Bush. Nader was in Iowa to announce his presidential bid as a Green Party candidate. He made his name as a consumer advocate and his campaign is a hard-core liberal assault on monied interests and what he sees as corporate control of the political system."

""Coming back from Pasir Ris-Punggol last night, I saw my son at the dinner table and asked him 'where have you been?' 'Ang Mo Kio Workers' Party rally.' 'What were you doing there?' 'Wanted to know, brought friends, 20 of them from school in uniform and went to hear.' I asked him 'what did you hear?' Don't know what they were talking about but every time they said something, they cheered - he said that. I said 'why don't you come to the PAP rally?' He said 'so boring and logical'. So I think it's okay. Many more (are) like that, want to hear but when it comes to the moment to vote and decide, I think they know what's in their interest." Lee Hsien Loong, commenting on his son going to Workers' Party rally."

""We want to have a First World parliament for Singapore, so we need to have a First World government and a First World opposition. If you want us to treat you as gentlemen, argue on the merits of your policy and our policy. Take it to a higher level and we will treat you accordingly and respond accordingly," Lee Kuan Yew, 24 April 2006."

""You watch the nine single seats. We fielded nine male Chinese, the Opposition also fielded nine male Chinese. What does that tell you? Without group representation, no minority candidate would be elected nor any woman candidate." Lee Kuan Yew, 28 April 2006, commenting on how the GRC system ensured minority representation."

""I want a world-class opposition, not this riffraff." Lee Kuan Yew, 28 April 2006."

"National Solidarity Party"

"Singapore Malay National Organization"

"Singapore People's Party"

"Singapore Justice Party"

""Ants see no obstacles. If you put a stone in front of them, they will make a detour or climb over it. We are like small ants in the political scene here. But when ants come together, they can move mountains." Desmond Lim, 6 March 2006"

""We don't want a parliamentary sitting to be a PAP party sitting. What we want is to hear alternative points of view," Chiam See Tong, 24 April 2006."

""Much have been spoken of my age. I am now 71 years old. But I assure you, I still swim 25 laps in a day in the swimming pool. On top of that I can do my work because I've got the good backing of an excellent team." Chiam See Tong, 28 April 2006."

""Do you know how they work in factories? They have got an assembly line system. Every machine, every device or any equipment, for example, a TV set, if they find that it is no good, they just throw it away and that TV set that is thrown away is called a reject. Now, that is what they are doing to our children when they were streamed in our schools. You make him do this exam and if he can't pass, you just throw him away as a reject. But that is not fair to the child. So I managed to change that." Chiam See Tong, 28 April 2006."

""If TT Durai did not sue SPH (Singapore Press Holdings), let me ask you, will our PAP ministers still be praising the NKF, Mr TT Durai and urging people to continue donating to the old NKF? If TT Durai did not sue SPH, would they, our world class ministers, know all the wrongdoings in NKF?" Steve Chia, 29 April 2006."

""In this election, we are not aiming to form the next government. Our 20 candidates are not enough to form the government so that's not an issue. What we aim to do is keep an eye on the PAP to ensure they govern Singapore well. Let the PAP form the government, let them distribute the money. But nobody is perfect and the NKF is a case in point. We must not let such an incident take place again," Yip Yew Weng, 29 April 2006."

""Lawyers for Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Mr Lee Hsien Loong have gone as far as to sue the printer, so much so that he is so frightened he dares not publish our election material." Chee Soon Juan, 27 April 2006, commenting that the PAP's legal action against the SDP is affecting their campaign at Sembawang GRC."

""We met the Sembawang GRC team from the PAP at the Nomination Centre this morning. All was amiable. All was amicable. We're very civil. Let's make it very clear — it's not personal, it's the issues that we're taking on. So, if you are expecting fistfights to break out, don't hold your breath." Chee Siok Chin, 27 April 2006, on how the SDP intends to conduct it campaign."

""If we win a GRC, you got nothing to lose. You know why? Because a GRC has at least 110,000 people. Can they afford to punish 110,000 people? Can they inflict pain and punishment on 110,000 people? Very difficult. They will try to win you back, because it is so important, and guess what? We will try to retain our seats. You will be king of the road." Eric Tan, 28 April 2006."

""The PAP has a history of trying to control all political content, and now they are trying to extend that control to new media as well. It shows just how bankrupt for new ideas they have become," he added, referring to the Internet ban and the PAP's newly promulgated party manifesto." Gomez's comment to Asia Times Online regarding the regulation of political content on the Internet, reported on 24 April 2006."

""I've also been brought up with values where my parents told me to be gracious and kind and that's the way I am. And as far as the party is concerned, we're not the suing type. So I don't think l have anything more to add. I have moved on." James Gomez, 13 May 2006."

""For the past year, we have at least one suicide every day. After you open a casino, what will the suicide rate be? This is not a joke. It is a social problem. I am against opening the casino.", Goh Meng Seng, reported on 29 April 2006"

""I am going to tell you the heart of the WP election campaign today. They are accountability, hope for the future and First World government," Low Thia Khiang, 24 April 2006."

""The election is supposed to be for macro issues, where you decide the future of the nation. You are deciding the future of the nation. Instead, we are talking local politics whether you get something or not… Politics here is no longer about your credibility as a candidate but depends on who is backing you. This value seems all wrong to me. Is this the sort of value that we want to carry on to the next generation of Singaporeans?" Low Thia Khiang, undated, reported 26 April 2006"

""Last night, Mr Lee (Kuan Yew) spoke here. This morning's paper, he said that he wanted me to sue him. Tonight, I want to tell him - come and sue me. I told the reporters, Gomez wrote his own apology, I corrected it. This is the truth. I am surprised. Mr Lee is the founding father, everything is based on facts, but this time he is making baseless allegations." Low Thia Khiang, 03 May 2006"

""Is he (Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong) trying to say that he cannot govern with 15 to 20 Opposition members? In most First World parliaments, they all have 15 to 20 opposition members, sometimes even more. Is he trying to say that he cannot withstand the WP challenge? I expect him to reply before Polling Day," Low Thia Khiang, 04 May 2006"

""What trouble have I made in Parliament? Please list them out for the public to know. If she cannot substantiate the claims tomorrow, I will demand an apology from her. Irene Ng is not a new candidate. She knows what transpires in Parliament. I will wait for her reply." Low Thia Khiang, 04 May 2006"

""(Upgrading) is a pressing problem for the nation. What message are you sending to people?....Think of yourself, whether you're upgraded or not. Vote for the PAP for your self-interest, that's the message. And is this the message and the value we want for Singapore? We will discuss it at our rally...So it's an issue. It's not localised issue, it's a national issue." Sylvia Lim, 29 April 2006"

""What does he (Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong) mean by 'fix'? Is he trying to say that he will destroy us? But these Opposition MPs are voted into Parliament by you. They are your voice. By saying that, is he trying to say he wants to fix you too?" Sylvia Lim, 04 May 2006"

""In some quarters, my team is considered as the 'dare to die' team. Let me make this clear. Life is sacred, life is precious and politics is serious. More importantly, my courageous team-mates and myself are mentally prepared to lose but that does not mean we are push-overs. It's because we have confidence in you, the people of Singapore," Yaw Shin Leong, 29 April 2006."

""Singaporeans and Singapore are First World. There is no doubt in my mind, but it does not mean that the government and the PAP are First World. Don't claim credit. Singaporeans and Singapore are First World, and this is the message I want to leave with you today. You are First World, Singapore is First World but the PAP government is not." James Gomez, 28 April 2006."

""Top of our list of priority is the lift upgrading so that the lift will stop on every floor in as many blocks as possible." George Yeo, reported 29 April 2006"

""The PAP has quality control in our 84 candidates. We have D24 durians, Sultan durians and XO durians, all different kinds but excellent durians. All are super durians. But I don't know about other political parties because some are 'ho kua bo ho jiak' and there're worms inside too. Then it will be troublesome for people." Khaw Boon Wan, 29 April 2006."

""We need a capable government to be on top of all these issues, to look over the horizon, to respond faster than other countries, to mobilise Singaporeans so that we can work together and be something special, not just three and a half million people but one very shining red dot," Lee Hsien Loong, 24 April 2006."

""We don't have a majority, so we will fight this election," Lee Hsien Loong, 27 April 2006, on nomination day."

""Give me and my team a strong mandate so that I can continue to serve you. This election decides the course of Singapore for the next 15 to 20 years...many opportunities but also major challenges, must decide what the goal is and how to get there." Lee Hsien Loong, 28 April 2006."

""I hope Low Thia Khiang will come and spend time in Ang Mo Kio. Then I might spend a bit more time there too. … But the fact that Low Thia Khiang didn't decide to come to Ang Mo Kio tells you something. He's just sending gan si dui [suicide squad]. Somebody else can do that", Lee Hsien Loong, 29 April 2006, commenting on WP's contest at Ang Mo Kio GRC with a relatively young team. Lee added that even the bookies will not take a bet on the outcome in Ang Mo Kio GRC."

""Suppose you had 10, 15, 20 opposition members in Parliament. Instead of spending my time thinking what is the right policy for Singapore, I'm going to spend all my time thinking what's the right way to fix them, to buy my supporters votes, how can I solve this week's problem and forget about next year's challenges?" Lee Hsien Loong, 03 May 2006."

"The process as currently designed is little more than a 'bait and switch' ploy."

"What we were observing in Iraq on Sunday, as well as preparations preceding the elections, is very far from what true elections are. And even though I am a supporter of elections and of the transfer of power to the people of Iraq, these elections were fake. ... I don't think these elections will be of any use. They may even have a negative impact on the country. Democracy cannot be imposed or strengthened with guns and tanks."

"So Iraq would appear the most infertile soil for democracy - except for one factor. The people want it. Yesterday, large numbers of them risked their lives to vote and in many cases they had to spend hours queuing; hours as potential targets. In so doing, they were not just making a political statement. They were making a moral statement. That should be a compelling argument even to those who oppose the war. It should be a conclusive argument to everyone who is in favour of peace."

"In an impressive range of mainly Shiite and Kurdish cities, a long silenced majority of ordinary Iraqis defied threats of deadly mayhem to cast votes for a new, and hopefully democratic, political order. That is a message that all but the most nihilistic of the armed insurgents will have to accept."

"[An] historic event for the Iraqi people because it is undoubtedly a step toward democratization of the country."

"These elections mark an important step in the political reconstruction of Iraq. The strategy of terrorist groups has partly failed."