# Should Algore Throw in the Towel? (a poll) **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [November 28, 2000, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080 "2000-11-28T20:18:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Timon\_of\_Athens](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e480ec/32.png) [@Timon\_of\_Athens](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Timon_of_Athens)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/41 "2000-11-29T14:09:05Z")
Given that Bush has benefited from the exact type of recounts that they are asking for in Miami-Dade. (He picked up 183 votes in Polk county I believe after the machines spit them out.) Yeah, I’m a Democrat. Wanna make something out of it? (We get a little testy in the midwest.) 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![vanilla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f19dbf/32.png) [@vanilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vanilla)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/42 "2000-11-29T14:12:54Z")
Green party here, and my candidate _did_ say they should flip a coin. The margin of error here is simply too close to ever know who truly won. ---
**Author:** ![Stimpy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/779978/32.png) [@Stimpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stimpy)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/43 "2000-11-29T14:24:50Z")
no. if he really cares about the people and the country and the democrats are truly different from the republicans (not so in the UK where labour and conservative are getting harder to define as having seperate stand-points), then he should fight this to the end. 4 years of opposition rule? no self respecting dog of a politician should let go of the squeaky toy just because he’s been lifted from the floor. ---
**Author:** ![Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/earl_snake-hips_tucker/32/3269_2.png) [@Earl\_Snake-Hips\_Tucker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Earl_Snake-Hips_Tucker)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/44 "2000-11-29T16:46:23Z")
Should he? Yes. After all, he lost. But, if I were in his shoes, I would keep fighting. Since he has already lost, he has nothing to lose. He can only gain. Besides, he’s probably terrified at the prospect of having to find a real job. ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/45 "2000-11-29T16:49:04Z")
Democrat here, and no, I don’t think Gore should concede. **Wildest Bill** , being the conservative that you are, would you want _Bush_ to concede if _Gore_ had taken the state by such a statistically insignificant amount and there were questions over the validity of votes made and votes possibly not counted, or not counted correctly? Would it be “whining” then? Somehow I doubt it. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![Freyr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/freyr/32/5763_2.png) [@Freyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freyr)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/46 "2000-11-29T18:48:27Z")
Independent voter here, tho in this election, I voted for the Greens. No, he shouldn’t concede 'til the question of properly counted ballots has been answered. And the action of the mob scene in Palm Beach County and the Election’s Commision office needs to be investigated. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/47 "2000-11-29T18:58:44Z")
This Nebraska democrat doesn’t like it when candidates try to convince to skip the foreplay and “get on with the important business of being president” Let’s at least finish counting the ballots before jumping into bed with someone ! ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/48 "2000-11-29T19:21:57Z")
Gore should not throw in the towel. But I do think this butterfly ballot argument is silly. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/49 "2000-11-29T19:36:45Z")
When Miami Dade decided not to recount, Gore lost what chance he had of overturning the election. And after seeing the fiasco in Broward and PB counties, I am starting to agree with Bush that hand counts are subjective and thus unfair. Gore should gracefully exit stage right. Er, left. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/50 "2000-11-29T19:55:46Z")
Aw Contrary, Pundit. Check out the Seminole county (and one other) mess. When absentee ballots sent out by Republicans were returned without neccesary info, they were stacked up and consigned to be destroyed. Republicans were invited to come in, sit down and make the corrections themselves on several thousand ballots, more than enough to tip the balance. Such action is, under FLorida law, specifically illegal, and the ballots null and void. If Gore gets a fair shake from the court on that one, he wins Florida. Please note that the Dems did not get any such opportunity under precisely the same circumstances. Cozy, no? Nudge nudge, wink wink, demand closure… ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/51 "2000-11-29T20:08:51Z")
Two things also (not to get _too_ hijacked) - _some_ of the legal action, although perhaps _encouraged_ by the Democrats, was _initiated_ by frustrated voters; and the Republicans are contesting re-counted ballots in New Mexico after the state was declared for Gore (there’s a Great Debates thread about it around here somewhere), so two can play at that game, sport. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2000, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/52 "2000-11-29T20:30:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by elucidator \* > \*\*Aw Contrary, Pundit. Check out the Seminole county (and one other) mess. \*\* Martin County has what seems to be the same situation. No, Gore should NOT concede. It seems likely that more Florida voters wanted him than Bush, although you may disagree and want to shut that possibility off. Don’t forget his clear lead in the Electoral College outside of Florida, not to mention his popular-vote lead. What’s that I hear about “stealing the election” ? ---
**Author:** ![Sterra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8c91f0/32.png) [@Sterra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sterra)\ **Post date:** [November 30, 2000, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/53 "2000-11-30T02:29:24Z")
Gore should now concede. Hes is now saying that people who didn’t vote for any presiden’t are the reason why the election is still going. People who didn’t vote should now be included hes saying. ---
**Author:** ![zenith](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/e19b73/32.png) [@zenith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zenith)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2000, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/54 "2000-12-12T05:54:05Z")
The numbers are so close and there are too many discrepancies to stop the count and say with any certainty who won. and Squink, a Nebraska democrat? Is that possible? ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2000, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/55 "2000-12-12T17:24:30Z")
Hell no, he should not give up! It is important to hold the Repugnican’s feet to the fire for as long as possible. With any luck, we can get the whole Florida election nullified, forcing the legislature to certify a slate of electors with no basis in the electoral process. Then, Armey, DeLay and Lott will have to ram it through Congress, and they will be held accountable in '02. Dubya will be a lame duck from the day he takes office. We may lose the battle, but _ **By God** _ we will win the war! oh, if Al wins, nevermind. ---
**Author:** ![jmullaney](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85e7bf/32.png) [@jmullaney](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jmullaney)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2000, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/56 "2000-12-12T17:38:21Z")
I would like to express my feelings [in song](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=50582). ---
**Author:** ![Major\_Feelgud](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/3be4f8/32.png) [@Major\_Feelgud](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Major_Feelgud)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2000, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/57 "2000-12-12T18:41:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Fear Itself \* > \*\*Hell no, he should not give up! It is important to hold the Repugnican’s feet to the fire for as long as possible. With any luck, we can get the whole Florida election nullified, forcing the legislature to certify a slate of electors with no basis in the electoral process. Then, Armey, DeLay and Lott will have to ram it through Congress, and they will be held accountable in '02. Dubya will be a lame duck from the day he takes office. We may lose the battle, but _ **By God** _ we will win the war! > > oh, if Al wins, nevermind. \*\* We have nothing to fear but Fear Itself and people like him. No matter who wins, 1/2 the voters will be disappointed. Why make it hard for the winner? Does it serve any purpose to hold the GOP’s feet to the fire? Does it help the country to have be a “lame duck from the first day”? ---
**Author:** ![Stoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stoid/32/272_2.png) [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2000, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/58 "2000-12-12T18:45:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Major Feelgud \* > \*\*Why make it hard for the winner? Does it serve any purpose to hold the GOP’s feet to the fire? Does it help the country to have be a “lame duck from the first day”? \*\* Absolutely! If you’re going to take the White House by coup, we would like the House and Senate back as soon as possible, please. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2000, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/59 "2000-12-12T19:55:42Z")
I voted for Gore, and I think he should concede – between all the screwups Dubya is sure to make, the revelations of the assorted scandals in his checkered past, and (hopefully) the revelation of the _true_ results in Florida, it’ll make the next four years a humongous embarassment to the GOP… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![DougC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7feea3/32.png) [@DougC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DougC)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2000, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080/60 "2000-12-12T20:13:08Z")
- - - I copied this off another bboard I visit. I don’t know where he got the figures; I’ll have to ask, but after seeing the red and blue US map divided by counties, it’s not too surprising. It does contain one reference. * * * Election stats that the media won’t report: Counties won by Gore: 677 Counties won by Bush: 2,434 Population of counties won by Gore: 127 million Population of counties won by Bush: 143 million Square miles of country won by Gore: 580,000 Square miles of country won by Bush: 2,427,000 States won by Gore: 19 States won by Bush: 29 Professor Joseph Olson of the Hamline University School of Law in St.Paul, Minnesota has produced another interesting new statistic. Professor Olson looked up the crime statistics for all of these counties and came up with this: Average Murder per 100,000 residents in counties won by Gore: 13.2 Average Murder per 100,000 residents in counties won by Bush: 2.1 Ah … those Gore voters. This country needs more of them, right? ## I think this pretty well says it------------Charger - Arf Arf. - I also note that even the editorial staff of the Economist is opined that Gore should concede, and they tend to _support_ the bigger gov’t that Gore would have. - MC [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-algore-throw-in-the-towel-a-poll/43080.md?page=4)