Podcast Summary: Fiasco – “Bush v. Gore: Bonus - What If…”

Introduction

In the bonus episode of Fiasco, titled “Bush v. Gore: Bonus - What If…”, host Leon Nayfak delves deeper into the pivotal moments of the 2000 U.S. presidential election. This episode explores the intricate "what if" scenarios surrounding the Florida recount, examining how small turning points could have altered the election's outcome. By featuring insightful interviews with key figures like Ralph Nader and Mary Frances Berry, the episode sheds light on the multifaceted nature of the election and its lasting impact on American politics.

Ralph Nader’s Perspective on the 2000 Election

Ralph Nader, America's renowned consumer advocate and Green Party presidential candidate in 2000, provides a critical analysis of the election's dynamics and his role in influencing its outcome.

• Nader’s Campaign Strategy and Its Impact

  Nader discusses his motivations for running as a third-party candidate, emphasizing his desire to present an alternative to the entrenched two-party system. He reflects on how his candidacy was perceived as a disruptor that potentially siphoned votes away from Al Gore, thereby aiding George W. Bush's victory.

  Ralph Nader [03:30]: "What about poverty in the land of the free, home of the brave, booming economy? On the one hand, 20% child poverty in the USA, richest country in the world."

• Critique of the Democratic and Republican Candidates

  Nader critiques both major party candidates, highlighting Al Gore's cautious approach and George W. Bush's shortcomings. He argues that Gore's inability to take pioneering stands and Bush's corporate-friendly policies left both candidates fundamentally similar in terms of their support for crony capitalism and militarism.

  Ralph Nader [05:17]: "On the biggest issue of all, which is the corporate state, crony capitalism, corporate welfare, militarism, they were increasingly alike."

• Election Dynamics and Media Influence

  Nader points out the challenges third-party candidates face within a duopolistic system, particularly regarding media attention and voter perception. He criticizes the media's focus on the two major parties, which marginalized his campaign and limited the public's exposure to alternative viewpoints.

  Ralph Nader [07:16]: "It was not an exciting election. You had boring candidates. Al Gore is a very boring candidate. George W. Bush was a boring candidate."

The 2000 Florida Recount and Voter Disenfranchisement

Mary Frances Berry, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and former chair of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, provides an in-depth examination of the issues surrounding voter disenfranchisement in Florida during the 2000 election.

• Felon Purge and Its Consequences

  Berry outlines the controversial process Florida undertook to purge felons from the voter rolls. The flawed methodology led to over a thousand legitimate voters being erroneously removed, disproportionately affecting African American and Latino communities.

  Mary Frances Berry [17:19]: "In 2000, it was illegal for anyone with a felony conviction to vote in Florida even after they had served their time. So in 2000, the state of Florida commissioned a contractor to create a list of felons living in the state and to ensure that they weren't registered to vote. The list was deeply flawed and resulted in more than a thousand legal voters being turned away at the polls."

• Testimonies from Affected Voters

  Berry recounts poignant testimonies from voters who were wrongfully disenfranchised. One such story involves a black minister who, despite never being convicted of a felony, was publicly denounced at the polling place, leading to a deeply personal sense of injustice and exclusion.

  Mary Frances Berry [20:31]: "He felt slingshotted back to slavery when they told him that he was just. And he was so disconsolate even by the time he came to the hearing."

• Impact on Legislation and Federal Response

  In response to these revelations, Berry and her commission advocated for substantial legislative changes. Their efforts culminated in the passage of the Help America Vote Act, aimed at addressing electoral system deficiencies. However, Berry acknowledges the limitations of federal oversight in a system where states retain significant control over elections.

  Mary Frances Berry [24:00]: "The Election Assistance Commission was not given the authority to force the states to do anything because Congress couldn't give them the authority to do that."

• Ongoing Challenges and Reforms

  Berry reflects on the enduring challenges of ensuring fair and consistent election administration across states. She emphasizes the need for enhanced federal support and stricter oversight to prevent future instances of voter suppression and disenfranchisement.

  Mary Frances Berry [25:51]: "I do think the answer is for now, for Congress to give more powers to the Election Assistance Commission to hold hearings, which it doesn't have to call people in to monitor them, to staff them, to show that some people weren't serious about it."

Conclusions and Reflections

The episode concludes by highlighting subsequent developments, such as Florida's 2018 amendment to restore voting rights to felons and the 2019 law imposing financial obligations as a prerequisite for voting. These legislative actions underscore the ongoing struggle to balance voter enfranchisement with regulatory measures.

Mary Frances Berry [27:02]: "In 2018, Florida voters passed an amendment to the state constitution restoring voting rights to approximately 1 million Floridians with felonies on their records. The following year, Republican legislators passed a law stating that people with felonies cannot cast a ballot until they've paid off their outstanding fines and court fees."

Through comprehensive interviews and meticulous analysis, Leon Nayfak’s bonus episode of Fiasco offers a nuanced exploration of the 2000 Bush v. Gore election, revealing the complex interplay of candidate strategies, voter suppression tactics, and legislative responses that continue to influence American electoral politics.

Notable Quotes

• Ralph Nader [03:30]: "What about poverty in the land of the free, home of the brave, booming economy? On the one hand, 20% child poverty in the USA, richest country in the world."

• Ralph Nader [05:17]: "On the biggest issue of all, which is the corporate state, crony capitalism, corporate welfare, militarism, they were increasingly alike."

• Mary Frances Berry [17:19]: "The list was deeply flawed and resulted in more than a thousand legal voters being turned away at the polls."

• Mary Frances Berry [20:31]: "He felt slingshotted back to slavery when they told him that he was just."

• Mary Frances Berry [25:51]: "I do think the answer is for now, for Congress to give more powers to the Election Assistance Commission to hold hearings..."

This episode serves as a critical reflection on one of the most controversial elections in U.S. history, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the systemic issues that can influence electoral outcomes.