(S)he Who Counts the Vote
By Zach Roberts
I’ve covered elections for five years now, focusing on election integrity issues – vote theft, machine issues, etc. Through those years, I’ve filmed Natives voting in Indian country in the Southwest, had secret off-the-record conversations with precinct captains in New Orleans, and even talked to a surfer who lost an election because her own party refused to count her write-in votes. In nearly all the stories I’ve covered and researched, absentee ballots are the deciding factor.
There’s a lot that can go wrong with them, and a lot that can be made to go wrong with them. Talk to Kerry, Gore, Norm Coleman – they would tell you stories on how even a stray mark can throw out a ballot in many states. Which is why, when I was standing in the room where they were counting absentee ballots for the Miller/Murkowski primary, I asked a kind looking older gentlemen wearing a sticker identifying himself as a member of the Joe Miller camp, “Are you questioning any of the absentee ballots for stray marks?” He said, “No. It’s all pretty straightforward.”
I was comforted by that answer but then he continued talking. At first I didn’t pay that much attention as I was busy filming.
Miller Sticker: “The thing about state workers…About 90% of them are women. So when you’re handling elections of a man and woman candidate…”
He let the statement drop.
At first I took the “90%” as a joke, and didn’t really process the second part, and I responded “That’s everywhere… I’ve covered a lot of vote counts and that sort of thing in Arizona, New Mexico, California it’s pretty much a universal…” which is true.
A really good percentage of the election day workers and volunteers are older woman. Oddly, in all my days in this field, I’ve never heard that questioned. It’s always been joked about, but within the context of respect. That these people took the time out of their day to do an incredibly boring (but rewarding) job of manning a table, and dealing with often unhappy people who have driven to the wrong precinct, or can’t find their name on the list. Sometime these blue-haired mavens can be a bit testy toward journalists but more often than not they are a great resource for information, directions and a good laugh.
It was only after he continued down the sexist(?) line of thought, that I realized that it wasn’t a light-hearted joke.
Miller Sticker Guy: “Their pay is so low, I think that’s why it’s all women. We need some equal opportunity down here to get some men.”
He was being serious. Not only was he suggesting that the Board of Elections needed stronger EOP implementation (Which is quite interesting coming from a man with a Miller sticker), but he was suggesting that the kindly women that were counting the votes were potentially so sexist themselves, that they would have thrown out the bearded one’s votes. I guess as most of the rabid Palin supporters always say to Palin’s female detractors… “They’re just jealous because (s)he’s so beautiful.”
Just a note to the Miller Sticker Guy, Russell Kurt, a Joe Miller ‘counter,’ next time you’re making unfunny sexist comments to random guy with a camera… make sure that guy doesn’t have a sticker on that says “THE MUDFLATS.”
Zach Roberts is currently in Anchorage filming “The Rogue Candidate: Sarah Palin’s REAL Alaska.” (Http://www.TheRogueCandidate.com) He previously worked with BBC journalist Greg Palast as a researcher and producer. Follow him on twitter at zdroberts. If you’re in the Anchorage area please shoot him an e-mail if you’d like to share your thoughts on camera about Alaskan politics zdroberts@gmail.com.
Damn. This is who’s supporting Joe.
Damn.
Thanks Zach!
Joe Miller supporters chauvinstic? No way!
Where’s Alice and her Fist of Death when you need her?
Is giving a wedgie considered assault?
Is it me or is it kinda creepy the way Joe has his hand around his wife’s neck? *Shudders*
No, it’s not just you. That photo struck me as odd even before I got to the posting. The first thought that came to mind was “who was that woman and why is trying to dominate her?” I have never seen a man grasp his wife like that. Hands on shoulders, yes, but hands around throat – no.
That is very, very body language. It is a controlling, even threatening, gesture. Many people write off body language, but attorneys hire experts to gauge prospective witnesses based upon many criteria, including boy language. When people go to job interviews, a savvy interviewer who has been well-trained will look at how a person enters a room, which chair he or she selects, how they sit, how they hold their head and how they interact with others. I taught a class on office management and we explored the psychology of body movement in the context of hiring, evaluating witnesses, et cetera.
That photo conveys a lot. I think your descriptive of “creepy” pretty much summarizes it well.
Oops – I meant to say “That is very, very bad body language.”
I hope more people see that. I would say more women, but my husband just saw it and said “Whoa, that is not good. He’s forcing her into something.” Joe Miller does not come off well in that photo.
Ks sunflower: thanks for reaffirming my suspicions, and it was really interesting reading about how job interviewers use body language to evaluate candidates.
My first reaction was also “controlling.” And in light of the title, I thought maybe the woman was “she who counts the vote,” and that was *really* disturbing.
His thumb and index finger are probably pinching her. Look at her expression. That ain’t to warm and spontaneous smile. And look at the photo when Lisa conceded. It’s creepy too therefore then again also.
Na, it doesn’t surprise me. That is the way he probably keeps control over her. You know she isn’t allowed to open her mouth unless he is pulling the string on her neck up and down. Now sweatie say I what I want you to say.
Yep, controlling is the key. That is one man I would not want near our daughter.
Miller sticker guy is gender and age biased….. and why is he at all connected with the vote count with his views? Thank you Zach Miller for your observations and sunshine.
Blooper…..It’s not just you! Creepy and Chuck Norris comes to mind. Yuk.
Lol, yeah I could see him idolizing Chuck. Oh and by the way, I think Miller’s beard has it’s own FAcebook page. Seriously!
Actually, that’s a very common stance amongst couples where wife-battering occurs. The message is clear “Yes we’re in public but I am still in control and when we get home you will inevitably pay for any indiscretion you might be tempted to indulge in now. So be warned.”
I can’t think of the girls name at the moment, but there was a pretty infamous kidnapping uncovered in the past year which described the female victim having been in public and not outting her captor. He controlled her with a glance and an arm gesture, much like the one portrayed here.
The fact that this female looks so flushed and flustered, with hair that badly needs to be groomed only deepens my suspicion that this is not a ‘normal’ married couple, but rather a couple putting on a show probably at the behest of the male.
At best, this is an unfortuante photo. However, if you give any credence to body language, it does provide insight into how Mr. Miller will probably care for the state of Alaska.
I don’t even live there and I feel stiffled already.
I was uncomfortable with it too. It looks aggressive rather than loving.
Would you want to be her? Not me. Thank you very much. I wouldn’t want to have a throwing war of canned good either. Of course that is just the peaceful in me.
Creepy.
Next time I do an absentee ballot – going to make sure “if” I make any … strange markings on the ballot — that I also have to make a big ARROW ——> saying THIS IS THE ONE I’M VOTING FOR!
Don’t do that. They will throw it away saying someone has defaced your vote.
What constitutes equal pay for men when women get zero?
At least as brainless, illogical twit ideas go that is one I have never heard.
But people lie that are scary stupid.
Russell. Kurt.
Really? Was he married to Hawn. Goldie.?
Good gawd, that photo is horrible.
Controlling, much? Yes, the picture does speak loudly. Add to that that they have 8 children that she home schools. Also note, both he and his wife got juicy Palin appointments to magistrate positions (him) and a spot on the Alaska Judicial Council (her). He had only 3 years of law experience under his belt before being elevated that quickly by Palin. Again, folks, you are witnessing more of the rise of Evangelical Dominionism. Rearch the 7 Mountains Mandate and Quiverful, and you’ll get a better understanding of how our Alaskan culture is being taken over by the American Taliban.
Sad to say..I have a portion of the cousins..who fall in the ‘quiver full’ camp..and yes..that photo..is worth deep consideration..and explanation..as everything I ever was trained in, in counseling..says this is..male domination. I am somewhat stunned by it.
This blog has a short bit about the quiverful crowd and some links to a couple articles about them. Crazy….
So, how is it she is able to home school kids and work as a magistrate – or was that position before she starting filling his quiver with little Millers?
I read Leah Burton’s excellent blog, God’s Own Party and for anyone not acquainted yet with the concepts Renee99503 is referring to, I recommend visiting Leah’s website. She is currently writing a book on these subjects.
BTW – I noted earlier photos of election night and saw many women who looked as if they could have come from some religious compound — long hair, no makeup, long dresses with sleeves down to their wrists. Anyone else notice that in earlier posts? At first I thought they might be nuns wearing very conservative dress campaigning for Miller because he is so pro-life, but now with Renee99503′s comments, I am wondering if Joe and his wife are affiliated with an ultra-conservation sect. I mean, being from Kansas it’s only natural to have that spring to mind – what with the Phelps “cult” in Topeka. Hmm – Miller is from Kansas, hmm. Just wondering, not saying, just wondering if he came from an ultra-religious family or community of if he converted later. There is a huge far-right evangelical push in the military, unfortunately – because it is supposed to be neutral – so maybe that is where he became so intolerant of social justice issues. (Please note that I distinguish between evangelicals and far-right evangelicals. I think both Renee99503 and I are talking about the far-right dominionists.)
Egads, I join an earlier commenter who now lives in WA in apologizing for these wackos from Kansas. Rest assured, there are many progressives here – honest.
I think those women are Russian Orthodox. We have quite a few of them here.
He was the magistrate, she was on the Alaska Judicial Council, helping to pick judges for our state. It isn’t a fulll-time position.
My thoughts exactly when I read he was a friend of Todds and Ms palin gave both jobs
Wow. What can I say but, Wow.
That picture is going hand in hand (no pun intended) with I was hearing up in Fairbanks….he has little respect for women…hence the tweet he sent out about “Senator” Lisa Murkowski. I still think a united march should be in order.
My aunt worked the polls for years when I was a kid. I remember stories about the incredibly long days with very few breaks for eating or using the bathroom. Depending on the importance and closeness of the particular election, some of the voters were rude or even verbally abusive. The volunteers were often stuck in church or school basements with little ventilation and no natural light.
I suspected that the reason that it’s mostly women working there is because they’re the ones tough enough to handle it!
You may be on to something.
Thanks everyone…
Be very careful with your absentee ballot, no stray marks double check what color pen the boe wants you to use. I know it sounds nuts but in other states it really comes to that. One of the issues that miller ran on was voter id’s which is code for the start of voter disenfranchisement… More on that later…
Deep voice, hitching up paints….. Ehv-re chix needs 2 books; Common Sense, and How to Throw.
I kid! That guy is a major league asshatter.
Battered wife. Or, if not currently battered, psychologically beaten down. Scared and scarred.
hi all….deb ( from Colorado) still checking in now and then when national news carries something thaat I might need to get “a balanced” perspective of.
I gotta say (and I know it doesn’t sound kind), but, when I first saw pics and videos of this Miller dude, he struck me as the David Duke type, just by appearance alone….and that was before I read anything about him. This picture with his wife…just seems to confirm those original perceptions. Yes?
Sure seems – to use a word from another perception commenter above – “creepy.” Perhaps it is simply that we are not used to politicians who aren’t clean-shaven. You’d think an image consultant working for the GOP would have tuned him into that, wouldn’t you?
Historically, beards or stubble weren’t an obstacle, but in the 21st century I think voters are less open to images we perceive as unprofessional. Men with beards are just now being regarded as acceptable in the more traditional professions: banking, law, et cetera. Even then, it has to be a very well-groomed beard.
I don’t mean to focus upon his appearance, but some low-information voters vote for whomever looks nicer. That was a criticism the GOP used against JFK – saying he got elected because of his looks. Wasn’t necessarily true, but I suspect it had some grounding in truth.
Joe Miller’s facial hair looks more like stubble – as if he has disdain for personal grooming or simply cannot grow a full beard. Some men cannot grow a beard without patchy-spots until they age. Right now, Joe’s beard looks like a bad case of five o’clock shadow – worse than Nixon’s way back in the debate that preceded his loss. If I were a consultant to JM’s campaign, I’d urge him to ditch the facial hair before the election.
However, I think this photograph with his wife is well on its way to undermining his credibility with women and men who love and respect the women in their lives.
Dr. David Duke Speaks in Sandpoint, Idaho on Labor Day, September 4, 2010
Dr. David Duke will speak in Sandpoint, Idaho as part of his nationwide speaking tour on Labor Day, September 4, 2010.
He will be speaking at America’s Promise Ministry at 10:30 am on the critical issues facing America and the world and the possibility of entering the Republican Primaries for President of the United States.
Supporters of Dr. Duke are welcome to attend the speech and meet him personally.
For more information, supporters can contact Rev. Dave Barley:
America’s Promise Ministries
3000 Great northern road
Sandpoint Idaho, 83864
For more information you can call +1 208 365 5405
______________________________________________________________
http://www.splcenter.org/node/773
America’s Promise Ministries is now one of the few remaining outposts of white supremacy in the Idaho Panhandle. The Aryan Nations, except for a few stragglers, is long gone from the area, as are Beam, Bertollini and Story.
____________________
I am not posting David Duke’s link but he has reared his head. What does this say about Repubs. I might should have posted this on an open thread. Sorry.
Since I live in Idaho, I’m really not surprised about David Duke speaking here. The people here try to distance themselves from that type of person after the Aryan nations fiasco from the 90′s but it doesn’t always work. I still sense the undercurrent of racism here even though no will admit to it. I think here people automatically vote Republican even if there is a decent Democrat candidiate running. I try to read the LTE but most of the time they sound like FAUX talking points, and anybody who tries to voice an opposite opinion in the LTE gets slammed in the next LTE. At this point I think any Republican could commit an atrocius crime and still get voted in. It’s hard to be blue in a sea of red.
Why is the man’s (Joe Wilson) hand around the neck of the woman (&) is the odd photo that accompanies this post?
Oops and sorry. The picture was so disturbing that I posted before I read the comments. Joe Miller’s hand on his wife’s neck is quite disturbing.
As an Alaskan male who adores my wife and daughter I would never think or want to grasp my wife’s neck like that. This image even creeps ME out! It kind of reminds me of a similar spouse domination thing going on in a house on Wasilla Lake except in reverse. Sarah and Todd something or other.
Check out Peter Dunlap-Shohl’s latest and greatest if you haven’t already! The cartoon says it all folks!
http://frozengrin.blogspot.com/2010/09/merge-far-right.html
most excellent cartoon
The state of AK elections pay $9.50 an hour and it is a temporary position, which leaves only retired persons or stay at home moms. They also are required to have equal representation from each political party.
As for Joe Miller and his death neck grip, only one time did a man ever try that me move with me, he swiftly got an elbow to the rib cage.
Wendy – Good additional info.
And I’ll be sure not to mess with you!
I have a cousin in law that looks like that–frumpy, dumpy, scared. Knowing my cousin, I’m not surprised. Though I’ve never had reason to question their relationship or call child protective services, I’m sure there’s adequate reason–just well hidden, unfortunately.
In years past, this cousin used to abuse me and other female members of the family right in front of everyone. He’d poke us in the ribs hard enough to leave bruises, verbally abuse us, kick our shins. I always stood up for myself–as well as moving out of the way–and one Christmas really gave him a verbal what-for! I really laid into him, and it worked! He quit! Woo hoo! I later found out that after my verbal tirade my husband had taken him outside and threatened to beat the k&ap out of him if he touched me or any other of the girls and women ever again.
I was grateful my husband intervened on all our behalves, but rather mortified to find we still needed the “protection” of a man. My husband could never have taken him, either. But he was truly willing to take a beating for all of us. No wonder I’ve kept him all these years.
Baker’s: Don’t discount that it could have been the double-whammy – both of you doing something – that got him to stop.
And maybe your hubby alone might have had trouble ‘taking him’, but I bet the idea that you and the rest of the gals he’d been ‘poking’ joining in is what made him stop. And that was very sweet and right for your hubby to do.
Hope the cousin in law really did learn his lesson and has permanently altered his behavior.
Wonder if Joe Miller will move family to DC (at least while in session) if he wins, or if he’ll leave the wife all alone with the 8 kids for long extended periods of time?
That is the same hold I remember from elementary school cafeteria when you were acting up or talking too much and the principal would apply grip from behind to remind you of lunch room behavior. Also same from PE coach when disciplining trouble makers.
Ah, the nightm… memories.
Sorry. My last post – on re-reading sounds flippant. Did not intend that.
I found body Miller’s language disturbing and scary. I grew up
in neighborhood of bullies -have been there.
Apologies for lame post.
Your comment isn’t flippant at all, in fact, you’re spot-on. The school disciplinarians/gym teacher punishment is exactly what this reminds me of, as well. (But I had tucked those bad memories back in the dark recesses of my psyche until I saw this photo).
I know the Miller camp will poo-poo this as a bunch of overreaction, but seriously, I cannot imagine anyone to do this to me, at least not since I was a little kid. And can you just imagine a woman doing this to a man? You just don’t EVER see that. Because it really IS a domineering thing to do.
Not flippant–right on. I remember teachers doing stuff like this now that you bring it up. It’s meant to control both physically and emotionally. Even more so than the Vulcan Neck Pinch.
BTW there is a spot in the shoulder where, if you pinch it, it causes a great deal of pain and great physical control with very little effort on the controller’s part. I never used it, but had it used on me as a kid.
I have also had it used and it sure does put one down for the count.
Ewww, that hand of Joe’s looks like he’s got a sicko warning hold on his wife’s neck. If that were me, I’d bite the damm thing hard.
I just had a yucky experience attending my aunt’s church in the Mat Valley – after the sermon, the pastor had his hand on the only doorknob on the exit door (two doors, one knob). I went to the service for specific reasons, but the whole thing turned my stomach. When I finally found my excellent excuse to get out that door and away from all those who were trying to assimilate me, I found the door blocked by the pastor who is over 6 ft tall. I almost panicked, but did my sweet smile game instead to find my way to freedom!
Joe’s hand gave me the same hair-up-on-the-back-of-my-neck feeling as that pastor’s hand on the only doorknob out of the church! I just read the comments and found many posters felt the same way – whatever the individual reasons. Icky poo!
Was the pastor preaching politics at the sermon? You betcha! Making up bad science to explain away reality? You betcha!
Several thoughts here – I worked the elections for many years here in Kentucky. The training session normally lasted 4 hours and paid $25, and the actual day of voting was a minimum of 12 hours and the pay was $75, and yes – primarily women of all ages and the few men being retirees. The low pay simply didn’t/doesn’t allow for people to take time off from their regular jobs to earn less than they normally would.
I concur on Leah Burton’s website (God’s Own Party) being an excellent resource for learning more of the religious movements going on all over the country and within the military. It is downright scary just how invasive the fringe groups have become in all levels of government. Think C Street and the expose of Rachel Maddow following up on Jeff Sharlett’s “The Family…..” – another great read.
My 23 year old grandson recently attended services at a Pentecostal church near where he had just moved to. He had been invited by a neighbor. He talked at length with me about his perceptions and that he has no further plans to go back there. The majority of those he talked with were homeschooling their children, and as mentioned by another poster here, the families were large and the females wore long dresses and very little make-up or personal grooming. He immediately sensed that the women were subservient to the dominant males. Having grown up in our family where we all have our say and respect one another, the difference in attitudes were obvious and he was appalled – he new his granny would NEVER have tolerated grandpa treating her thus! This isn’t to say that all Pentecostals leans towards the Dominionist movement, but this particular church group certainly seems to.
I haven’t been posting much of late with the illness taking its toll, but I continue to follow along with all of the happenings, and am saddened that my beloved Alaska is facing so much turmoil.
It’s good to hear from you again. Please take care, and we miss you.
{{{{{GreatGranny2c}}}}}
I’m in agreement with you all. That photo of him with his hand around his wife’s neck is very disturbing.
GreatGranny2C, as Martha said, take care.
I am not a Miller supporter by any stretch of the imagination, but I think it’s a bit silly to ascribe all kinds of abusive behavior to him because of body language in a single photo. I’m also disturbed by the derogatory comments about women whose religious beliefs lead them to dress more modestly than the average and wear no makeup.
If anyone has any facts – not speculation based on a photo – that there’s a history of domestic abuse in the Miller household, by all means let’s hear it. But implications based on him having his hand on her neck in a photo? Please.
This man should NOT be elected to the Senate – but let’s work toward his defeat in an honorable way, not by clucking and chattering rumors.
“clucking and chattering rumors”..is all that you have..pulled from this assortment of comments? I have had to ‘read people’ in public places, and animals..in the wilds of the northwest..for 72 years. I appreciate your delicate concern for the modest dress styles..it is not..in itself..a damaging choice. The finger-curl..on a neck..that is a world wide..understood sign/signal/concern. Having lived in assorted areas..all these years..I do carry a boot knife. Have I ever had..all these years..so much as a parking ticket or ‘kerfluffle’..in public, or on-the-job in education problem..none! I was raised however..to speak as a ..strong woman..my words carry no gingham/ruffles and flourishes..they do..communicate …ability to defend..honorably..myself, my family and any who should pass through my territory..who are unprotected at that moment. I assist..and I am certain..in your lifestyle..you assist also..those around you. Let us then..say that we both..look toward..peace, health..and freedoms to make life ..safe AND happy…in our ways..for those around us.
sierraseven: Sorry, but that is an unusual way to pose with someone. I would never (even casually) put my hand on my wife’s neck like that when posing for a photo, I would I’d put my hand on her shoulder. It’s just unusual, especially for a public photo and I think it’s fair to point it out.
It’s not exactly a posed photo – and I just think people are making way too many speculations based on the photo. I can think of a few photos of myself that certainly make me look odd, brain-dead, drunk (when I was not), and any number of states of mind that weren’t actually occurring. Yes, I understand that body language can communicate a great deal – but it’s not an infallible science, especially when it’s based on a single still picture.
I am in favor of serious discussion of issues, including Mr. Miller’s character. If theres EVIDENCE of domestic abuse – other than the self-proclaimed expertise on “reading people” that some commenters have claimed – let’s hear it. One photo of a man with his hand on his wife’s neck really does not mean much – even if some people here would not be comfortable with that grasp, it’s up to Mr. Miller and his wife as to whether THEY feel comfortable with it.
But let’s not waste time spinning out rumors and cheap gossip, please. There’s little time before the general election.
I know i am late to this but when i saw this earlier i thought how sick is this guy. That is not a loving gesture to your wife. In an intimate setting rubbing out knots in the neck would be one thing but this in public is not that.Show me the video of the massage and i could believe that.
This man show’s all the signs of one just shy of civil. I cannot believe this man is running for a public office.
If we’re going to be judgmental, I don’t get the 8 (!) homeschooled kids and the brassy blonde hair. If he’s the natural frontier woodsman, why is he coming home to a bleach blonde?
Where is Margaret Sanger when you need her?
LOL@ the Sanger comment. I wondered about that brassy look also. Maybe there is some of that $500,000 Koch investment she could use to get a professional dye job
Posted this on another thread; hoping someone has answers
Huffington Post says Glenn Beck is coming to Anchorage September 11, where he and Palin are going to each make a speech at the Dena’ina convention center. Beck rented the center back in June 2010, won’t say what the speeches are about. Anyone up there know what’s going on? I’ve tried to connect some dots but nothing makes much sense other than they are going to announce something big they are trying to keep secret until 9/11. Here are all the unconnected dots
June 2010 Beck rents Dena’ina Center and tickets go on sale for the (unnamed)event.
June 6 or there about Palin endorses Joe Miller for Senator
June 16 The Tea Party Express funded by Koch gives an unprecedented $500,000 to Miller
August 30 It looks like Miller has won election
August 31 Murkowski concedes election to Miller
August 31 Iowa Ronald Reagan fund raising dinner announces that Sarah will be the featured speaker
September 2 Huffington Post says Beck is going to AK to give joint speech with Palin
September 11 Joint Beck Palin event at the Dena’ina Center
September 17 Palin speaks at Iowa Ronald Reagan fund raiser dinner; this dinner is a Republican BIG DEAL
Koch is the constant. Does Miller have a part in all this? If so what? Can he drop out of the race and suggest Palin be appointed to run in his place?
Janet, thanks for doing the research to get this timeline. There definitely seems some orchestration going on here with respect to the events & endorsements. While we have no way of knowing for sure, I suspect the big players (Koch & Co.) are using their big bucks in tandem with Palin & Beck’s star power to sway the elections in their financial favor.
At least some of us are keeping an eye on them.
Looks tell a lot more than words. I agree with most here. Creepy, scary. I would guess she is an abused spouse. Just a guess based on reading people for many years. And it is the dominionists we need to watch out for.
Peace everyone.
As an alter boy I had a priest who would grab me like the photo. I knew I was in trouble and it creeped me out. If I was in real big trouble, he would squeeze.
check out this article in today’s washington post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/03/AR2010090303109.html?hpid=topnews
“They silenced each other with gestures when they thought the other said something unhelpful.”
in the midst of a paragraph on the second page.
Did all of the Alaskan hairdressers leave with $P? Because that woman seriously needs some styling.