Republicans don't deny dirty tricks Ohio's elections

I often hear Democrats complain about Republicans messing with the vote in Ohio's 2004 election. They either say that votes for Democrats were "flipped" to votes for Republicans, Republican votes were added, or Democratic votes were discarded. While I don't doubt that there were some voting machine glitches, which may have favored Republicans over Democrats, I seriously doubt that votes were "flipped". There were definately some areas where not enough voting machines were provided, thus producing long lines, discouraging voters from an hours-long wait. Whether this was intentional, or the result of a larger-than-expected turnout, remains debatable. The most agregious biasing of the 2004 vote, I feel, was well-documented voter intimidation in neighborhoods which are predominantly African-American.

In spite of all these questions, when a Republican relative of mine heard the above Democratic complaints, he said, "Do you really believe that the Republicans stole the election?" Note that he did not say, "Republicans did not steal the election," or "Yes, there were some questionable practices, but I feel overall the election was fair." He did not deny that Republicans biased the outcome, and that has lead me to this conclusion:

Republicans don't deny biasing the 2004 election, because they want Democratic voters to think their votes will not count. When Republicans don't deny that they tampered with the outcome when Democrats raise complaints, they are saying, "Go ahead, Democrats, go ahead and think that your vote won't count. Stay at home on Election Day. No skin off MY back." The Republicans just don't have it in them to assure the Democrats that the elections are being conducted fairly, because that would be giving aid and comfort to the Democratic Enemy. Most Republicans probably think that the 2004 vote was NOT tampered with, but still cannot admit it, seeing their chance to dishearten the Dems.

I think Democrats CAN win elections if they turn out in large enough numbers. The tampering in 2004 was only significant because the election was so close. If Kerry had won by a large margin, Democrats would be laughing, "Those Republicans tried some dirty tricks, but we showed them!" Instead, because of anti-Bush voters, and a polarizing issue (gay marriage), the voter turnout was high for both parties. Ohio is traditionally a swing state, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. The side which is more highly-motivated to go to the polls will win.

Fellow Democrats, I urge you to put 2004 behind you and to concentrate on getting yourself and your Democratic cohorts to the polls this year, and in all elections in years to come.