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Ron Klain: How Kevin Spacey Played Me on HBO

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By Kim Eisler   Published Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Comments

I watched the 2000 results all night long, up til about 5 am. I forgot how long and drawn out the recount process became. Like they say in the movie, even if Gore had won, he wouldn’t have won. Republican forces were in play and had the upper hand. It’s a bit sad to remember this pathetic time in our history. How could Bush have won again in 2004? It had to be due to the country’s fear of terrorism. As is becoming very evident now, Bush will go down in history as one of the worst presidents ever. That said, I voted for McCain in 2008.

Posted by: Bo, Nov 18, 2008 01:15:09 AM

Movie was fine--would have liked an "addendum" that the Post & the Times DID count the ballots--and Bush still won.

Posted by: Tony Iovino, Nov 16, 2008 09:45:31 AM

Movie was fine--would have liked an "addendum" that the Post & the Times DID count the ballots--and Bush still one.

Posted by: Tony Iovino, Nov 16, 2008 09:45:04 AM

I couldn’t watch the movie. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to watch the movie.

Posted by: Jason, Nov 13, 2008 10:16:15 AM

Funny - I don’t think we watched the same movie.

I thought this film showed the complexity of running an election in a state with strong county governments, and reps for both parties deeply entrenched in state and local government.

That, coupled with different ways of voting, confusing butterfly ballots (approved by both parties), and dimpled/hanging chad....what a mess.

There are no "innocent" political parties here - both sides play the game. But it’s hardly the end of democracy. Voting anomalies have been an issue in every close election, and will continue to cause problems until a single standard hack-proof way of voting is in use.

Bottom line - in spite of all the pro-Gore whining, Bush didn’t steal the election.

As Spacey says early in the movie when asked about Gore losing the popular vote, but winning the electoral college...Gore would expect Bush to abide by the electoral process.

Same goes for the Gore loyalists.

And for those about to jump - I’m a registered independent. I don’t care about nor do I care for party politics.

Posted by: Fred, Oct 26, 2008 01:28:47 PM

Justice was not served in the 2000 recount. It may be too much to expect that the "flaws" (to Democrats; "situation" to Republicans) relative to the voting systems (which was the proximate cause of the confusion/disenfranchisement, depending on your outlook) will be rigorously reexamined prior to subsequent elections--which could happen elsewhere besides Florida--to be straightened out. County budgets are vulnerable to superior levels of government takings--and there are those who have a vested interest in preventing upgrades so that all votes cast are actually tabulated . . .

Posted by: bitterblogger, Oct 14, 2008 08:53:56 PM

Just watched the movie and it still sickens me seeing the events unfold all over again. In my eyes, that was a clear case of democracy coming to an end. It scares me how the few can control a population by any means possible. We must not allow the few to control our actions through fear, through divide-and-conquer tactics, through negative campaigning, or through outright illegal actions. We MUST vote to put the right people in power because you never know when a crises will happen and who will be at the helm to directly affect that crises. We must be responsible citizens to restore this country because we live here, because we love it, and our children will have to live with how it was governed today.

Posted by: Yasmine, Oct 11, 2008 03:25:17 PM

Having just watched the movie and reliving the events of the 2000 election, i found this site. I feel compelled to post even though the movie was released several months ago. The movie was well done and seemed to be fairly even handed -- showing the flaws and sincere perspectives of both the Gore and Bush loyalists. That even hand is a rare event in my opinion. The one thing I think they should have done is to roll at the end of the movie the outcome of the media’s recount post election. Additionally, one day, I can only hope that HBO or some other outlet will dedicate a similar quality attempt to tell the story of other election issues. I won’t hold my breath, but can certainly hold out hope.

Posted by: Bryan, Oct 08, 2008 10:16:46 PM

Having just watched the movie and reliving the events of the 2000 election, i found this site. I feel compelled to post even though the movie was released several months ago. The movie was well done and seemed to be fairly even handed -- showing the flaws and sincere perspectives of both the Gore and Bush loyalists. That even hand is a rare event in my opinion. The one thing I think they should have done is to roll at the end of the movie the outcome of the media’s recount post election. Additionally, one day, I can only hope that HBO or some other outlet will dedicate a similar quality attempt to tell the story of other election issues. I won’t hold my breath, but can certainly hold out hope.

Posted by: Bryan, Oct 08, 2008 10:16:15 PM

Finally, a non-happy end movie from Hollywood about the behind the scene developments during the 2000 elections.

Thank you, Hollywood. Gore did win the election, even after $4 billions spent by Harris on creating an extended purge list that tilted the vote count with thousands in favor of Bush. All the fraud aside, Gore must have had a strong win in Florida, if a fair election were to take place. Someone new that and did not like it. Who is my question?

Will the ballots ever be counted? What should happen to reopen the dust covered boxes and do that?

Posted by: Zori, Oct 04, 2008 06:56:36 PM

The 2000 election made me cheer at times and cry at others. This movie just reminded me of how mad I was at that time and has made me more unsure of the upcoming election. I won’t vote for Obama (not enough experience) and don’t want a Republican. How I wish Gore would run again...

Posted by: susan, May 31, 2008 07:00:27 PM

I found it difficult to watch the movie. Although it was well done, knowing the ending and just how high a price we have all paid for the criminally flawed election in Florida is hard to stomach. It exposes just how broken our democracy is. However, this story must be told and lessons from it learned!
As a history/government teacher I am glad to report that my students are engaged for the first time, largely because of Barack Obama.
I hope he can restore our democracy!

Posted by: Lisa, May 28, 2008 10:19:46 PM

Mr. Spacey is arguably one of the greatest actors of our time and the comment about him portraying Mr.Klain is about his hairline? I would think it an honor instead. Historical revisionism has it’s limits but the reality is we got stuck with a tragic end for which we will continue to pay forward for generations.

Posted by: Yolanda, May 27, 2008 02:55:00 PM

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