Kerry Statement on the Release of the DNC Voting Rights Institute Ohio

[Mass]

Report.

http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=239315

“It couldn't be more clear from this far reaching study that America has some serious work to do to strengthen our democracy and secure the fundamental rights of all our citizens. The findings of the Ohio Election Report strike at the core of our most cherished values of freedom and equal opportunity, and should concern every American no matter their political party, who they voted for or their racial and economic backgrounds.

“Our democracy is only as strong as the people's faith that their voice counts and their votes will be counted. It is unacceptable that forty years after the Voting Rights Act, Americans are still being denied their fundamental rights and protections under the law.

“I compliment Governor Dean, Donna Brazile and the DNC Ohio Investigation Team for this thorough report that documents the abuses we fought against in neighborhoods, the courts and at the polls. The recommendations for future action are critical. I suggest another important measure - that any pattern of voter challenges based on race should be a per se violation of our civil rights and voting rights laws and Congress must address them in the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act in 2007.

“As we head into the 20005 and 2006 elections, I will work with the DNC and Democratic, Republican and Independent leaders across the country to implement the recommendations of this report and restore faith in American democracy. We must insist on reform at every level to stop voter suppression, strengthen voting rights and secure funding for election officials to purchase reliable and verifiable voting machines so that the discrepancies the voting rights team found in Ohio do not occur again.

“President Bush and Republican leaders should also read this report and use their control of Washington to take action on real electoral reform pending in the House and Senate.

“Protecting the right to vote isn't a Democratic or Republican value, it's an American value. Washington must pass reform like the Count Every Act of 2005, but we must also build a groundswell of support in communities across the country to hold elected leaders accountable for failing to protect the right to vote. “I will share the results of this study with elected leaders across the country and the hundreds of thousands of Americans who volunteered on my campaign in 2004. I am also committed to working with civil rights leaders and community activists across the country to secure real investments of time and resources for voter education and training.

“Forty years ago, in August 1965, the Voting Rights Act was signed by President Johnson. It was a landmark bi-partisan bill that allowed millions of Americans a true voice in our democracy. Forty years later as American troops put their lives on the line every day in the name of democracy across the world, we here at home must do everything we can to strengthen our democracy for all Americans.”

[TayTay]

1. More on this later

but WOW, that was fast. Do you think JK will get any credit for being so ready with a response on this? (Right, I must be on drugs.)

[Mass]

2. It obviously would be nice

but I guess we will have the litany of people complaining that he did not sue the Republicans in front of an imaginary court.

[whometense]

3. Probably will call forth

a repeat chorus of "he caved." Ad nauseam.

[ginnyinWI]

4. ah well

There is just no reasoning with people when they are angry. They've rendered themselves useless because they let anger dominate everything else. :shrug:

[jillan]

6. Tay Tay - you are so right!

Kerry gets so ignored by the media and I'm getting sick of it and pissed off too!

What can we do to help him get more positive press?
I feel like I have to be on the defensive all of the time when it comes to Kerry. Why is this happening?? This is the same man that 1/2 of Americans were in love with before the election. Now no one has anything to say about him, unless it's negative... and he is more awesome than ever!

Is there anything WE can do?

[politicasista]

7. Yes, is there?

[TayTay]

8. These things are cyclical

Last year was one of those rare elections when people really, really cared about the outcome. And the results of that race were NOT definitive. (Kerry lost by either 2 1/2 percentage points or one state. Hardly a slap-down of either him or the Dems.)

The liberal blogs are not representative of Dems at large. And very few people, outside of the political junkies, are really paying attention right now. (Attention is being paid, but it's not really in the papers yet.)

What can you do? Arm yourself with information. Pay attention. Make up a list of the things that you thought were well done by pols you like. Keep a list of who voted against things you liked. Be prepared. And work like hell on 2006. (One race at a time. There are races in 2005, VA for one, right?) Work on that. One thing at a time, one race at a time. That's how it's done. The future will take care of itself, but even that is built on what is being done now.

[DoBotherMe]

5. He is SO AWESOME

... "that any pattern of voter challenges based on race should be a per se violation of our civil rights and voting rights laws and Congress must address them in the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act in 2007." He kept his promise. D ; )