Quote Originally Posted by CrazyNotCrazie View Post
I think that one of my big concerns going into this election is questions about the legitimacy of outcomes. I think both sides would agree that this is an issue, though it is viewed very differently by each side. Trying to describe each side's thoughts on this is a third rail that I do not want to touch. I truly fear a scenario that will make Gore vs. Bush look like a friendly disagreement - we live in much, much more polarized times now and unfortunately there is a general lack of trust in both directions.
I agree that from now on, election losers and their backers will tend to think/claim that they were cheated out of a win. It'll become standard, which is sort of sad. I also agree that we will continue to become more polarized.

At the same time, I can't see any large-scale violence breaking out until many, many years from now, and especially not for a Midterm election. Even for a Presidential cycle, unless an assassination takes place, the Republic will just continue to peter on.