Michigan and Nevada: open primaries cause mischief
The assignment for today is to read the following two posts and write a paragraph comparing and contrasting the efforts to get "crossover voters" in the two primaries.
Adam B writes on Daily Kos:
Well, it seems like our site's Inspector Javert Clouseau is back, and John Bambenek has really got us on the ropes now:
Yesterday, I filed a complaint with the Michigan Attorney General against Daily Kos' blogger Markos Moulitsas, requesting an investigation into whether Moulitsas is encouraging voter fraud in next week's Michigan GOP primary.The idea of the freedom to vote is part of the bedrock foundation of this nation. Vote fraud is not a new concept; likely it reaches back even to the time of the founders. However, once vote fraud is discovered, it should be prosecuted aggressively like all flagrant violations of the law. Daily Kos' call, under the direction of Markos Moulitsas himself, for a conspiracy to commit massive vote fraud during the Michigan primaries may be one of those serious attempts to circumvent election law.
-- Michigan's Open Primary, and a Fraud
Big Tent Democrat writes on TalkLeft: An Obama Nevada precinct captain (Taylor Marsh has a copy of the flier) is circulating a flier with the following language:
You can be a Democrat for one day. Vote for Obama and then return to your voting status as you chose [sic].Everyone regardless of party is welcome to be a Democrat for one day and vote. Republicans, Independents, Everyone, you can make THE difference. If you think a Democrat will win in November and you don't want Hillary you can come to the Democratic Caucus and vote for Obama.
-- Obama Nevada Flyer: "You Can Be A Democrat For One Day"
One possible answer is that Kos is pushing a raid on the other party ... not that there's anything wrong for that, but Obama is trying to get independents and perhaps Republicans to come into the Democratic Party for a day.
Another answer is that Obama is trying to get people who support him sincerely into the Democratic Party. You know, give them a free sample and hope they will become steady customers. Conversely, Kos might be viewed as low-down skunk for trying to get insincere people to make mischief in the GOP.
What's your view?