October 20, 2008
Posted: October 20th, 2008 05:00 PM ET

From
The Obama campaign called Monday for an internal DOJ investigation in the wake of increased federal scrutiny of ACORN, a community organizing group.
The Obama campaign called Monday for an internal DOJ investigation in the wake of increased federal scrutiny of ACORN, a community organizing group.

(CNN) – Obama campaign general counsel Bob Bauer called Monday for a government investigation into whether the White House is working with John McCain’s campaign to raise allegations of voter fraud, telling reporters attorney general Michael Mukasey needed to step in to ensure investigators are "not misused for partisan purposes."

Read: Bauer's Monday letter to Mukasey

A special prosecutor is investigating similar charges against the Justice Department over the controversial dismissals of several U.S. attorneys, including David Yglesias, who said he was fired for resisting pressure to prosecute ACORN, the embattled community group at the center of a sustained Republican campaign alleging voter fraud among supporters of Barack Obama.

Bauer spoke with reporters on a Monday conference call days after news broke that the FBI is taking a closer look at ACORN. Last week, he said the special prosecutor’s mandate should be expanded to include the rising government scrutiny of the community group.

Listen: Obama lawyer calls for an internal DOJ investigation

On Monday, he sent a letter to Mukasey saying said that the inspector general needed to investigate, because the prosecutor didn’t have the jurisdiction needed to look into the department’s activities - whether it complied with its own policies.

ACORN has said it registered roughly 1.3 million voters this year, but has come under fire because some of the registrations turned in by contract workers hired by the group have contained false information.

Filed under: ACORN • Barack Obama


Terry   October 20th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Is everyone who is not a minority afraid to raise questions and get angry for what is obviously an important issue..voter fraud. Well here’s my solution and heads can fall where they may.

Voter fraud through Acorn or anybody is Heinous…we give taxpayer money to illegal aliens for social services and now we can’t even count on a constitutional right to vote and it be legitimate to Americans. This is demoralizing. Go after ACORN and it’s affiliates…go after the Ohio secretary of state…this shows corruption at the highest level she violated HAVA . Google it.

We need our representatives to immediately stop all taxpayers funding to these “community organizers” who have anything to do with politics. We don’t need millions to go to “community organizers” who are running their own agenda. Let’s look at the paperwork they filled out to get these monies and who sponsored them and what there salaries are... I think you will be appalled at the dollar amount.

If I were Obama I would get "community organizer" off my Presidential resume.

Resolution… Run governmental TV ads 4 times a year on how to vote and have the forms available at public areas such as libraries, licensing areas, city, state and governmental offices…etc…and let the voting citizen figure out how to get to their forms and get to the polls..we have early registration for those who don’t want to stand in line and mail ins for those elderly or ill who cannot get transportation …everybody can afford a stamp…THIS IS NOT BRAIN SURGERY. All states should have their voters registered 60 days before an election with proof of residency and that they are citizens. Remember register once and vote forever unless you move.

Aida   October 20th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Obama
an exceptional whiner

ANGIE   October 20th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Rumor has it WV is flipping votes for Obama to Mccain Investigate CNN!

Steve   October 20th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Wow, shocking news. Obama at it again to try and cover up the illegal activities he has been involved in. Sure, send in your own investigators to find (plant) evidence to make it look like you did nothing wrong. Chicago politics don't work in Chicago. What makes you think they are going to work running this country.

You lied about your connections with Ayers, Wright and ACORN and the only thing you can do is try and push it off as an attack from the Republican party.

I don't trust Obama now and I don't trust him if he was to become President to do the right thing for this country.

Good night McCain/Palin   October 20th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

The Republicans are through. They represent a minority of the population now and that gap with Democrats and Independents will only continue to grow. The neo-cons are losing ground and they are throwing up all sorts of slim hoping that it will stick....but the truth is, the majority of Americans are seeing through the bigotry, desperation, hatred. Good night neo-cons, good night MCain/Palin..... almost time for you to go home now.... you ran a despicable campaign.

redhead from Toronto   October 20th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Reagan – You are toxic, won't even read your posts anymore, makes me feel sick. You should tone down your hatred, it's not good for you.

Lilly   October 20th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

I am a middle aged white woman, registered republican who is now proudly voting for Obama. I will put Country First !

Dave   October 20th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

of course these slimy partisan jerks are in the bag for McCain. The
Bush Administration and the United States Non-Justice Department has already been proven to be dishonest and beneath contempt and they will get by with this crap just like they got by with firing honest State Attorney's General. I don't trust the Bush Administration OR the Non-Justice Department to do the right thing any more than i trust the people who strap on bombs and go into restaurants in foreign countries not to set them off. Both camps are at the bottom of the food chain.

David, Silver Spring, MD   October 20th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Suppose ACORN really was behind these bogus registration forms and really hoped to slip them past the local boards of election so that the registrations were made official.

Does ACORN then drive Mickey Mouse and Tony Romo to the polls so they can vote?

In what possible universe does it benefit ACORN to fraudulently register individuals that can't possibly slip through the process and make it to the voting booth?

Nom De Guerre   October 20th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Obama's gonna win folks.

Those of you in Red States-I'd be thinking of stocking up on ammo if I were you. Come 1/20/09, we are coming after it.

Old Dominion for Obama   October 20th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Would it surprise me if the GOP was using every filthy trick in the book to help McCain? Not at all.

They stole 2000 but theyre not going to steal this one unless its over the constitutions lifeless body

John the Electrician   October 20th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Yes. they should investigate. Republican party needs to use all possible dirty tricks now because these are all they left. Can you trust any republican to manage the economy? This current republican president contributes half of our national debt – now it is more than 10 trillions and still growing.

Keep it Real   October 20th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

If you are not rich or a racist, vote Obama. Mccain will win, and I will die of a heart attack in my early 30's because I will be broke and our country will be a joke.

Lauren   October 20th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Also that way when the court demands records from him, he can ignore them just like he is the Berg case.

Janine   October 20th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

I would think that Republicans on this board would be happy that Obama is asking the special prosecutor to look at Acorn and everyone else involved in this scandal. Aren't you the guys who have been crying foul all this time? Can you pick a theme and stick with it? Either you want to know the full extent of the corruption involving Acorn or you don't.

Polly   October 20th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Ryan K.C.- The only "tactics" being pulled are coming from Obama supporters on the Democrat side who are trying to vote 6 times, charging campaign donations on stolen credit cards, and frankly Senator Obama has not spoken against one of these stunts being pulled. You would never see Senator McCain putting up with that. He would speak out against it.

witch   October 20th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Some one should also look into what the Rep from Minn. said. I hope she gets voted out. I am appalled with all the hate.

Red, Red WHINE!!   October 20th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Greg October 20th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Hey Red Red Whine you must of forgot about Clinton/Gore
______________________________________________

I'll take that to mean you agree that anyone that has been found GUILTY of unethical acts does not deserve to be in the white house.

If that's your point, then I won't bother arguing that only one person in the two you mention was actually found guilty of anything. Granted it was Clinton, but Gore was not. So while I'll give you the one, TWO of them on the same ticket, BOTH having been found guilty....no argument, McCain/Palin vs Clinton/Gore: McCain/Palin TWO TIMES more corrupt!

Lauren   October 20th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Of course Obama wants to investigate. That way he can determine the outcome.

Of course he wants to have someone on the inside so when it comes to be known that Obama IS involved with ACORN,,, that inside person can hide the info.

Mel of Alexandria, Virginia   October 20th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

How I am not hearing of the Keating Five which proves that McCain is not an honorable man. The way in which he treated his first wife was not honorable. It is obvious that John McCain has a serious character flaw.
The ugliness which lurks within him he is trying to project on Obama.

Louie-Buffalo, NY   October 20th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

It will not work this time. Obama is better, smarter and tougher than ANY stupid loser republican.

Amy   October 20th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

I wouldn't be surprised to hear the Bush administration is trying to help McCain so they can ensure their policies are continued...the same policies that got us into the terrible mess we are in.

My fellow Americans please pay attention to the real issues: the economy, jobs, healthcare, Iraq/Afghanistan...

Hank   October 20th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

Okay, call it registration fraud but what kind of Americans would do this? The kind that would vote for Obama!
Everyone knows you are only supposed to register once.

Gayle   October 20th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

I am so glad that Jon exlained it because I find myself explainging the same thing to people. Its not voter fraud its an issue with registration. If a person does not show up to vote then DANG how can it be voter fraud. Get it right people because there is a different. By the way early voting has started in Texas. Obama/Biden

KS   October 20th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

'Free-speech suppression'? What article did you read?

I think the government should take any action necessary to ensure that everybody who wants to vote legally can do so. Phony registrations do not equal voter fraud. Nobody is going to go to the poll posing as 'Jimmy Johns' to cast a ballot. The McCain camp wants to use this to weed out many honest voter registrations because the majority of them are from democrats. Bush has shown he isn't above stooping to this level.

Deb   October 20th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

I've said it before and I'll say it again. By law-ALL registrations MUST
be turned in-even if they clearly contain false or incomplete information. So how come ACORN is under fire for complying with the law?

John in Virginia   October 20th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

This is clearly a Republican tactic. ACORN has legitimately registered far more people legitimately than this allegation. What the articles are not telling people are that the actual numbers of questionable transactions are much less than what is being reported. Any time you hire very poor people to do a job and they are in dire need of money, a good number (not all) will do what they have to do to get as much as they can. So if you tell them they get more money for registering more voters, guess what they are going to do? That has nothing to do with Obama or the organization as a whole, other than they need to be more careful about who they hire. I seriously doubt you see some idiot try to vote 200,000 times under one name. How dumb would you have to be? Come on people; use your common sense. There isn't anything wrong with ACORN.

My Border Collie is Smarter Than Pitbull Palin   October 20th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

YES JON IS RIGHT!!

It is not Voter Fraud, it is Voter Registration Fraud. And Acorn is REQUIRED BY LAW to turn in EVERY registration card.

Independent but Leaning   October 20th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Hey Jon- if we call it conspiracy to commit voter fraud, does that make you happy?

Shane   October 20th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

...and the other shoe drops.

It's a fair bet that anytime a bunch of (suspiciously organized) Republicans start frantically jumping up and down and gesticulating wildly at some cooked-up, cockamamie "scandal" – "Hey, everybody, look at THIS!!!" – they're likely doing something behind the scenes to help spin things as negatively as possible.

Kudos to the Democrats for taking another pathetic and futile smear attempt by "Bush Cronies for McCain" and throwing it right back in their faces, while keeping their own campaign focused on the issues that matter most to Americans.

banderson   October 20th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

This is an important step but not the end. Everyone must be vigilant in making sure that our democracy is not subverted by anyone that includes Democrats or Republicans. I do however find it interesting that the Republican party was not saying anything when Rush Limp was encouraging people to change their political affiliation so they could vote in the Democratic primary for "Operation Chaos". Where was the outrage from the right then?

Briana   October 20th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

mccain is a sore loser

JJ   October 20th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Good thinking Barack....It might stop them from insinuating that your "landslide victory" was caused by a few suspicious voter registrations LOL....However, you know the Republican pitbulls will not want to let go....they never do.

Louie-Buffalo, NY   October 20th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

The republicans are sore losers and FACISTS. The only way they know how to get into office, IS TO STEAL THE ELECTION. IE: 2000 in Florida and 2004 in Ohio. POOR, POOR LOSERS, with the emphasize on LOSERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jerry   October 20th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Nothing new! Always the same strategy. Divert attention from the serious issues that have “dogged” Senator NObama's campaign from the beginning.

Again, what else is new?

Stay tuned!

David, Silver Spring, MD   October 20th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Obama is right to push back on this. The attack against ACORN is politically-motivated.

Like all voter registration organizations, ACORN had some forms come back with bogus information. By law, they were required to submit those, and marked all that appeared bogus.

You can't hold a big voter registration drive without someone slipping in bogus forms, either through ignorance, malice, or a twisted sense of humor. The DoJ is pursuing ACORN at the behest of the White House while other similar organizations are being ignored.

The McCain camp is in cahoots with the White House and is trying to tie Obama to ACORN.

Andy   October 20th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

ACORN has been caught committing voter fraud in several states already. It is just a coincidence that the states they are most active in, that had a tremendous registration of Democrat voters is being investigated. It's a bigger coincidence that these states just happen to be the states in play this election cycle and the media already has Obama winning these states.

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it is probably a duck.

JACKED-UP-POLITICS, FLORIDA   October 20th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Hmmm the Republicans have been doing this for years and came close to being caught in 2000 and 2004 but managed to evade the sceen due to Partisan higher ups being allocated for the case.

Let's talk about how GW Bush was given the election. It won't happen this year because voters have been well informed through the transparency of Obama's campaign.

KEEPING US INFORMED!!!!!

Stan the Homeless Guy   October 20th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

I just got my 72 voter registration cards today and Gloria from ACORN told me that not only will she be drive me to go vote, she will give me a beer voucher for every vote for O'Bama!

Whoopie!

Why????   October 20th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Where is Sarah Palin medical records? Where is it?

Latina for Obama (nj)   October 20th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

GO OBAMA....THE CHANGE WE NEED!!!!

I VOTED FOR THAT ONE!

julio, tx   October 20th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

I love obama, my family is here in the u.s. and he will make us legal. dreams come true. there hands will be out when we get here, we only take bills

redhead from Toronto   October 20th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Please look into those machines flipping dem votes over to Reps. YIKES.. to D. What did you expect Sen Obama to do, take this crap lying down? John McCain is not the only one who can fight for his country, YES, Vote early if you can, don't take no for an answer, insist on your right to vote. God bless America

DeniseGA   October 20th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

This was announced last week. McCain walked back his criticism after he was told this. HAHA

Try something else McCain! Obama out smarts you yet again!

Sally from Cali   October 20th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Harvard law vs backwoods politics...

ACORN--a step away from Communism   October 20th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

They've told Obama to take your money in the form of higher taxes and give it to people who refuse to work and want to stay on welfare. Great idea.

Allison from Virginia   October 20th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

You betcha – the Republicans are VERY GOOD at scare tactics!!!

NOVA   October 20th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Americans.

Do not waver. Get out the vote, do not let the Neo-Conservatives steal our country from us.

Ken in Dallas   October 20th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Independent but Leaning:

You accuse Obama of wanting to pursue socialist policies at the same time as you harbor an actual socialist on the Republican ticket.

Sarah Palin levied a 25% windfall profits tax on oil companies producing in Alaska and used the money to issue handouts to Alaskan citizens, i.e., to "spread the wealth."

You lie about Obama wanting to pursue socialism while embracing a VP candidate who has actually practiced socialism for no greater purpose than to buy votes.

Loretta Laskin   October 20th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

All I can say about Obama is Where there is smoke there is fire. There are too many connections between him and Ayers, Acorn, Rev. Wright, etc. If it was only one incident I may believe him, but when everything piles up against him, he is hard to believe. God help us Americans if Obama is elected our next President.

REPUBLIC OF TEXAS   October 20th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

TEXAS WILL ALWAYS BE REPUBLICIAN

Douglas   October 20th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

good and keep investigator with acorn. dont let stealing our votes.

jimmy   October 20th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Tell Joe the Plumber , you want to raise taxes so you can spread the wealth around.. Yeah, right.. Like Robin Hood , take money from the rich and give it to the poor or Socialism .

Greg   October 20th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

Hey Red Red Whine you must of forgot about Clinton/Gore!

carl d   October 20th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

simply put. the mcain/palin is doing nothing more then promoting divison at his rallies. take a look at them sometimes. how many people from all types of races attend his ralley?..none. this is an insult to america.

Ryan from K.C.   October 20th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

FINALLY!!! A Democrat who has the guts to call the Republicans on their tactics. I would love to see some cleanup of the voting and voting registration system to one system that WORKS. But one step at a time, and this is a good one.

Show them that you're not going to take it, Obama.

Reagan   October 20th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

HahahahHAHAHahahahahaha....BIG Breath.....HahahahaHAHAHA!

You can't be serious? The O'Bama campaign wants to investigate the investigators?

Wow..What are they afraid they will lose if Mickey Mouse doesn't vote for him?

ACORN & Obama--same agenda   October 20th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

They both want to take your money and give it to people who do not want to work-who hang out on street corners all day and get high-hope this is what you want because this is what you are going to get.

jr   October 20th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

This is getting rather old – people need to pay attention to details. These "illegally" and "illegitimately" registered voters won't be showing up to the polls on the 4th. We should be more concerned about the fraud actually being commited at the polls. The misrepresentation and unethical tactics that are being played out right now are what have brought our country to shambles. It's time we call corruption out and vote for change.

OBAMA '08

weneedstrongleadership   October 20th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Do not believe anything that comes out of the group citizens united, they are Citizens United alright United for John McCain. Citizens United believes polar bears should be destroyed as well as alaskan wolves. The same alaskan wolves in which Sarah Palin vetoed the inhuman killing of wolves from an airplane which in most states is illegal.

CR in WI   October 20th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Wow, getting blown a little out of proportion?

ACORN is required to submit any and all registration documents turned in by their people "on the street". Unfortunately since these people "on the street" get paid only if they meet a quota, on slow days they will fill in the remaining ones they need to get paid for the day. This is not some great conspiracy, this is how people making a very small wage ensure they get paid. Hey, I am not defending them, but I can see how it happens.

Clearly Mikey Mouse will not show up to vote, so there will not be voter fraud due to their actions. Any attempt to distract people by claiming voter fraud has occured is pure ignorance.

BO08

BJGT   October 20th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Obama is a brilliant man!

Lisa P   October 20th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

What I want to know is how many of those ACORN contract workers who turned in fraudulent voter registrations have GOP contacts.

I remember an election a few years ago a couple of college students in Milwaukee were loudly proclaiming to the media that they had voted multiple times, presumably to buttress the state GOP's claim that our state needed stronger voter ID procedures. Strangely the students (College Republicans?) all shut up when it was pointed out that double voting is a felony in Wisconsin and the Milwaukee County DA was very interested in hearing more about their crimes...

Seriously, I put nothing past the GOP at this point. They will do anything to hold on to power.

Ian Minneapolis, MN   October 20th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

People....in the preamble, in the constitution of the united states it clearly says that, we the people PROMOTE GENERAL WELFARE!!!!! Now Obama's tax plans give tax credits to 95% of WORKING AMERICANS!!!!!
Also if you want to call obama a socialist, Palin imposed windfall profit tax on oil companies and split the money with the people of Alaska, which is a great thing, but what did she do? She raised taxes to spread the wealth....

Abby   October 20th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

What an exceptional campaign this is. If Senator Obama runs this country any where near as amazingly as he ruins this campaign, we are in great shape!

God be with you, Senator Obama. God bless you indeed!!

james in s.c.   October 20th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

YES!!!! them democrats are finally fighting back!!! the repubs are scared now, obama got them brains and he'll continue to use it!!!

OBAMA-BIDEN 08...ALL--THE--WAY-TO-THE-WHITE--HOUSE

Dallas, TX   October 20th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

Acorn needs to be investigated. They've been up to these tactics since Obama involvement with them years ago.

Time the American people woke up! Don't help this election get stolen away by the liberal left.

They are always looking for loopholes to get votes!

carol kesling   October 20th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

joe the plumber was not even at the 2 rallys mcsame was at !!!! there is no JOE THE PLUMBER OR JOE SIX PACKS !!!!!!! AND PALIN SHOULDNT EVEN OPEN HER MOUTH AND SPEW HER VENOM, she was found guilty of abusing her power, BOTH HER AND SHADOW GOVENOR TODD, FIRST DUDE !!!!! they are both liars and should just GOOOOOOO HOMEEEEEE !!!!!!

Oma   October 20th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

I question even the "fraud" label, perhaps just a stupid prank, put a silly name on a voter application – that is far from voter fraud. It is blatantly obvious that the silly name will never show up to vote.
A waste of time? Yes. A waste of money? Yes.
But then the McCain camp knew that – they are just counting on the uninformed people who will believe anything.

Skip, a black man   October 20th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

What are they going to say when Obama is found to be in the middle of it? How can Obama run the country when he only has one car and only one house? Sounds like he cant even succeed in his own life, and you want him to run the U.S.?

Socialism not wanted   October 20th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

You are too stupid to know what to do with your money so Obama is going to decide for you--he'll take your money and give it to drug addicts who refuse to work and want to live off the dole? Feel better?

Ethan   October 20th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

It's time we smash these coordinated vote suppression scare tactics campaign by the Republicans once and for all. Go get 'em Barack.

annie - never again a dem.   October 20th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

How about someone investigating the $832,000 obama's campaign gave acorn!

Karen   October 20th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

The thing about this that makes me nuts is that it is MOOT until the so-called invalidly registered voters show up to vote!

Why does this seem so similar to Joe the Plumber who isn't licensed, isn't named Joe, isn't buying the business and owes back taxes????

please   October 20th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Independent but idiot –
how does asking for an investigation relate to free speech suppression?

And "these new tactics" aren't new. The republicans have been spreading the wealth around for 8 years. They just send it up to the top, Obama want's to change that and bring it back to the lower earners.

You really need to stop listening to Rush and Fox.

Dal CA   October 20th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

Is it possible that the McCain campaign had done the deed and is blaming ACORN for the VOTER FRAUD.

boered1   October 20th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

while you are at it call for an investigation of YPM! The REPUBLICANS that are commiting voter registration fraud!

and the other closed before I had my say so I add it here feel free to ignore

While Obama may have spent more on negative ads (I question that but am willing to go along with it) it is simply becuiase of two reasons, he HAS more to spend thanks to the little guys like me sending him money, and he not only has to show he is the better candidate he has to show he is SIGNIFICANTLY better than the white candidate. Overall, however, Obama's percentage of spending on negative ads is less than HALF of Mccain's spending on negative ads. Obama spends more because people have given him more simple. Obama opted out of the Federal money because he was smart enough to know he was not just fighting an opponet he was fighting a WHITE opponent.

Shari, NY   October 20th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

We want no stone unturned. We also want this "Joe the plumber" story flushed because his name is Sam, he owes taxes and he does not have a license, but works for a licensed plumber. The end.

Sam   October 20th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

November 5th President Elect McCain will have to change his nickname to the comeback kid.

Dawn Lancaster   October 20th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

yes, and if you have been purged, ask for a provisional ballot.

Independent but Leaning   October 20th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

Jon says: "Can we please get it straight…It's not voter fraud. It's voter registration fraud. It's a HUGE difference. Just because the registrations may be off, it doesn't mean there are tons of people voting illegally. This distinction needs to be made clear."

Let's see. I register 73 times and get 73 absentee ballots in the mail. What do you think is going to happen next in this chronology? I'll give you a hiunt: It starts with, "I vote 73 time for the guy I want..." and it ends with, "and I mail them in."

Dems always want to define "is." It's fraud. Period. Quit cheating and try to win honestly.

time for change- Dallas TX   October 20th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

We just need to go back to the old school way in which everyone must vote on election day...making it a federal holiday so that everyone has the oppurtunity to vote one time.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   October 20th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

McCain has done nothing but wasted campaign funds going around with Palin spreading gossip and there is nothing worse than a gossiping old man. As a result, McCain doesn't have enough money and time to focus on what's most important. Just call McCain "johnny come lately" and we can't have McCain's poor judgement in the WH.

lyn   October 20th, 2008 5:30 pm ET

I am disgusted with the McCain camp for going on and on about Acorn, Obama has said his campaign is not involved with Acorn. McCain move on and talk about how you will get us out of the MESS that you and Bush created. I am so happy that the Obama camp is fighting back. "Go Obama & Biden Go" Political ticker why do you waste your time and print that looser Rush Limbaugh.

Chris   October 20th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

"Registering" Mickey Mouse to make $8/hr and "Voting" are completely different.

Obama's campaign paid the organization to make it easier for people to register – what's wrong with attempting to help democracy?

Does the GOP realize registered voters can vote for them too? Why not try to win some votes??

Sharon, TX   October 20th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

CNN, stop making false claims regarding the status of the election race. You don't know anymore than anyone else if the "race is tightening."

I voted today ... for the SMART ones who have REAL PLANS to address our country's major challenges, to move us forward into the future and who also do not depend on DISTRACTING "gimmicks of the week" to try and get themselves voted to the highest offices of our nation!

Folks, polls mean nothing; only votes count. GO VOTE NOW and be cautious of the GOP, via rude/biased poll workers, trying to STEAL your vote! Do not be intimidated! Take the time to ensure your VOTE is captured accurately before finalizing your vote, especially on the electronic machines. Go America!

Obama-Biden 08-16!

JB   October 20th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Be funny if Obama is found guilty of voter fraud along with ACORN.

vw   October 20th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

This comes as OB.

He always played dirty trick and then said he did not do that.

He defeated Hillary (a real fighter) by playing race card and by humilating Clintons but he told American people he did not do that.

Now he played this dirtiest trick again and looks like McCain will be another victim again....

American is in danger.......

Daddy   October 20th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

FIGHT BACK OBAMA................................08

DebM, Allentown, PA   October 20th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

Of course the Republicans are pointing fingers at ACORN, even though ACORN is required to turn in ALL submitted voter registrations to their respective counties, irregardless of inconsistencies and errors. It wouldn't surprise me in the LEAST to find out that it's been Republican operatives (Operation Chaos) submitting bad voter registrations, then blowing a whistle on the supposed improprieties, and making ACORN look bad.

I put nothing past the Rethuglicans. Even in WV, we're hearing that voting machines are changing votes for Obama to votes for McCain. If we are not super-vigilant, these slimy Rove Repubs will steal the election.

hakeemsdad, Florida   October 20th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

For McPain negativity!

Common People,

Did we need a survey to figure that out? I am anybody with just little brain (i.e., birds, etc.) would tell that McPain is running very ugly and unfair campaign with full of boulogniesssssssss and stupid untrue or misleading attacks!

tim   October 20th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Jon, fraud is fraud. It doesn't matter how big or little, all fraud is serious. But nice try.

oh well   October 20th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Girl...dont lie that you have voted for Obama 26 times. That aint happenin'

Brian Rich   October 20th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

It wouldn't surprise me if the White House was involved in this. It wouldn't be the first time they've used their authority, combined with a lack of transparency, to manipulate the country for their partisan agenda.

McCain/Palin is more of the same – so I guess we shouldn't be surprised after troopergate.

Ann - Maryland   October 20th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Good for Obama for putting these unfounded Republican smears to rest. Honestly, registration fraud and voter fraud are two different things. Mickey Mouse/superheroes/the deceased are not going to show up to cast their ballots on Election Day, and ACORN pointed out the false registrations upon submitting them to the board. They were required by law to submit ALL registrations. Also, people are often paid by organizations like ACORN to register voters, so who's to say some lazy person didn't register all those names just to get the money? Think!

Brenda R. Harris   October 20th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

The Moose head has spoken leave Obama alone.

lyn   October 20th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

I am disgusted with the McCain camp for going on and on about Acorn, Obama has said his campaign is not involved with Acorn. McCain move on and talk about how you will get us out of the MESS that you and Bush created. I am so happy that the Obama camp is fighting back. "Go Obama & Biden Go"

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   October 20th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

I'll take the two constitution professors over the moose killer and her sidekick any day.

Obama/Biden '08

tim   October 20th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Right, that's the problem, the Bush administration is turning this into a political issue. It's not that ACORN is actually corrupt, with the help of Obama's money.

I'm sure Obama's lawyer will also demand an investigation into the investigation of Palin's "undue" influence on her ex brother-in-law.

Michael M, Phoenix AZ   October 20th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

I do believe that in order to vote at the polls, one has to actually show proof of residence, ala a driver's license or a utility bill, or other form of id with proof of who you are. Let's hope that we have some Democrate poll watchers that can verify CURRENT registered voters and avoid what happend in Ohio in 2004. Being from AZ, I just mailed in my ballot, but still don't trust the voting "powers that be" here, especially since it was stated at the Rep convention by our Sec of State or election official that she "will do whatever it takes to win the election."

N.S of Huntsville, Al   October 20th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

To; DALLAS, Tx ; In response to this

October 20th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

The Dems are obsessed with Palin!

I love seeing the Dems go crazy over this!

This has nothing to do with DEMOCRATS its from Moveon.org get your facts and know we just want Pailn to be held at a hire standard then a fifth grader thats all. She sucks she dosen't know what the hell she is doing and now she is setting her stage for try at the presidency of Alaska because we true pro Americans defiently think she is a disater waiting to happen.

Oh by the way Dallas, Tx she Pailn was found guilty of ABUSE of POWER we wouldn't that to ever be forgoten.

the other jd   October 20th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

I live in Oregon and got my ballot in the mail today. Doing the happy dance. Have been waiting for FOREVER to vote for Obama! (And to vote for Jeff Merkley also).

Obamalism   October 20th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

WOW, Obama is working overtime trying to pull the curtain on this one.

I wonder what he thinks they might find?

When unfavorable...move to silence all conversation or deem racist. I can't wait for this administration.

voter   October 20th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

good. lets talk about how the New Mexico GOP said that 25 latinos voter registration from ACORN is fraud. Turns out it is incorrect. they are legally and validly registered to vote. I agree with Obama that the GOP accusing ACORN of wide spread voter reigistration fraud is bogus.

cmb   October 20th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

bo/joe with mojo

Obama 08

Proud to be American   October 20th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Obama is truly fighting for the USA thank you Barrack! We can not let the lot of fear mongers sway our vote get out and get out early if you must just don't forget to vote for.............

***********************Obama and Biden 2008! *****************************

oh well   October 20th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Mccain is an extraordinary man. The people behind his campaign are idiots. He should have fired them all and should have never picked Palin. McCain is earning no respect from this Party member such as Powell and Buckley. That's too bad.

I voted Obama.

hurriCAIN PALIN   October 20th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

acorn is just as fraudulent as nobama and his campaign, this is the october surprise, NOBAMA IS A COMPLETE FRAUD

Mark Wagner   October 20th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

I have to say, it sure is nice to watch the Democrats say.. "Enough of this crap, we're fighting back" instead of just rolling over.

Dawn   October 20th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Great...Acorn is getting death threats, just watch the news...Now in California there is registration fraud, people duping the people who are Democrats to change to Republicans... I love to see him as President and Biden as VP....
No matter what people say about Obama, guess what he could be one great President with the combination of Kennedy and Clinton

Go Obama/Biden08/12

anne   October 20th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

I wish it was also reported that it was ACORN recently that brought the problems they had with some employees to the attention of the public. Not exactly something you do if you are trying to be really shady. But McCain or CNN can't ever mention THAT. Thank God Obama is 100 times smarter than McCain and our media networks.

Obama 08!

Dwain   October 20th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

what is new about this republican administration. It is about time someone stop this partisan non-sense

tulsa   October 20th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Indy but leaning...
The party that has tried to destroy our constitution is the Republican party. Look at the tearing down of personal freedom and privacy under the Bush admin.
Our only hope is with Obama this election. We would welcome you too! Be a little more open to new ideas man, we are, after all, both Americans first and formost. Divided we fall, United we stand.
Obama 08

Cj   October 20th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Sure he is!!

Carol   October 20th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

I don't see how this reflects well on Obama. Rather than clarifying exactly how he is supposedly not pro-ACORN despite having represented them as a lawyer in the past and having given them thousands during the primaries against Clinton, he now seems to be defending them again! If anything this reflects very, very poorly on him. He should be trying to distance himself from the group, not defending them!!!

John, Catholic   October 20th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

In regards to Mr. Limbaugh:

"Wise men speak because they have something to say. Fools speak because they have to say something." Plato

REPUBLICAN OPERATIVE ARRESTED FOR VOTER FRAUD   October 20th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Posted on FOX ...a Republican, doing VOTER REGISTRATION was arrested for FRAUD.

mark   October 20th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

it takes awhile but good will win over evil ,,,,OBAMA PRESIDENT

RWG   October 20th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Glad that Obama is being proactive here. One step ahead of the Republication abuses and manipulation of the election process we've seen before.

ED   October 20th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Everyone needs to watch HBO's Hacking Democracy.

Obama!

confused miami   October 20th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

I guess this time they finnally fighting back, please don't let them steal another election. Because how can we be an example to the rest of the world if we can't get legal election. How can we complain if we beliefe other countrys election where illigal if our own has been again.

tulsa   October 20th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

I'm glad to see this happening before the 11/4 rather than after the fact.

Republican for Obama   October 20th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

This whole ACORN thing is a farce

Obama Insider   October 20th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Look at these comments from our supporters right here on CNN:

Becky, Ca October 15th, 2008 9:23 pm ET
"I WILL TAKE AYER ANY DAY OVER SARAH PALIN"

Alan D. Ackerman October 15th, 2008 11:04 pm ET
"Bill Ayers "used" to be a terrorist. He is an educator now. Doesn't that say that the system trusts him now?"

I'm so glad that I am in the party of tolerance towards former terrorists. Where would this country be if we shunned our terrorist friends? The two comments above are from well informed and genuine Democratic supporters of our next president, Barack Obama.

Raymond J.   October 20th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Thats the repubs style and remember 2004 and even 2000.
They scream a lot so as to get attention away from themselves.
Your a bunch of sorry sob's, try winning on merit if you have some

Missy   October 20th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Good move on Obama's part!!! I think he's too smart too let this happen yet again. It's a big deal if the current administration is playing these kinds of games in order to get their guy elected.

Brielle   October 20th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

GOOD FOR THE OBAMA CAMP! It's about time this GOP witch-hunt is stopped in its tracks. The cronyism that goes on within the GOP is disgusting, and it needs to end on Nov. 4th.

Lee   October 20th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

People Please make sure your voter information is correct. Hopefully we have all learned our lesson after the Jeb Bush Florida Tragedy (Al Gore vs George W McBush.). Do not let the republicans steal our votes again!!!!!!! Make sure you are registered and make sure you Vote!!!!

hmm...   October 20th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

this is the best way to get to the bottom of it

Jon   October 20th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Can we please get it straight...It's not voter fraud. It's voter registration fraud. It's a HUGE difference. Just because the registrations may be off, it doesn't mean there are tons of people voting illegally. This distinction needs to be made clear.

stophate   October 20th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

That sounds very plausible. Bush and Co. are a dirty tricks machine. I will be satisfied though if Bush gets brought up on war crimes charges after the election.

Vegas Barbie for Obama   October 20th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

McCain/Palin's involvement in such a scheme would not surprise me. The Republicans are so scared now.

Meka   October 20th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

That's right Senator Obama...We all, remember the 2000 Election!

Republican's will stop at nothing!

Obama/Biden '08-'12

Nia from Minneapolis   October 20th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

After ACORN is thoroughly investigated could someone look into the voting machines in W Virginia that appear to be flipping votes from Obama over to McCain?

Thanks Acorn   October 20th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

I just voted early. Voted for Obama 26 times. Thanks ACORN.

Independent but Leaning   October 20th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

The Obama free-speech suppression machine fires up again. I hope you guys are taking notes on how he deals with the dissidents.

These tactics, "spread the wealth" and the international crisis comments by Biden should scare the heck out of any sane person.

This is inexperience in action folks. God help this country if this meglomaniacal lightweight gets elected.

Sue from KC   October 20th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

Finally, the democrats are being pro active – please keep your viewers infordmed. This is very important.

Red, Red WHINE!!   October 20th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

With a record that includes the Keating Five and abuses of power as an elected governor, you now darn well that McCain and Palin are committing crimes and fixxing this election with every unethical trick in the book.

Kudo's to the Obama campaign for stopping them in their tracks, for not allowing their corrupt and criminal ways to continue.

McCain/Palin: the most corrupt and morally bankrupt ticket in American history.

Countdown with Keith Olbermann   October 20th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

It's about time a democratic candidate called the republicans on their illegal tactics. The McCain campaign, along with the Bush administration, has been working side by side with the pro-Bush & McCain justic department to spread unfounded propeganda to the public for many years now. It's about time someone called them on their illegal activities and did something about it.

D.   October 20th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Obama lawyers are always active in all his campaigns to find loopholes...... this way he ran against: no-opponent in Illinois,
opponents with dirt dug out of the "reliable" divorce papers! and now
he is running against George Bush (ah ah...)...
Lawyers......................... well.............

Rich from KS   October 20th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Good! I'm glad Obama is fighting back!

McCain is out of time! The voters are not straying away from the issues this year John (McCain) six-pack...

Grandma   October 20th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

Obama
an exceptional president

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