A massive attack right before the election probably wouldn't disrupt it ... IF we stick to the electoral college. So, they hit, say, NYC ... even if two people make it to the polls, the electoral college would still be into play. Although, the losing party would probably challenge big time, under those circumstances.
If they want to influence the election, they'll strike ahead of time. They'll strike later if they want to either punish US for re electing Bush ... or see how much they can get away with if Kerry is elected.
Any major strike on the US will help Al quada recruiting, and perhaps fund raising.
But ... having said that, remember ... they like to talk big, and they'll strike US when and IF they can.
Just my 2 cent worth.
Another electoral circus (like 2000) would be a ripe occasion (read: chaos) for Al Qaeda to strike.
"A massive attack right before the election probably wouldn't disrupt it ... IF we stick to the electoral college. So, they hit, say, NYC ... even if two people make it to the polls, the electoral college would still be into play. Although, the losing party would probably challenge big time, under those circumstances."
You know, I was thinking about this for about 1/2 the day and at first I thought that if, god forbid, there were an attack before the polls were closed and I was told my vote wouldn't count if I didn't already get it in, I'd be ticked but then I figured heck, if there were an attack, the last thing I'd be concerned with would be my vote, I'd be more worried or caught up in what was happening and the people caught in any attack (assuming I'm not one of them). At this point, I'm of the opinion (at least, until someone points out something else that I haven't taken into account) that under normal circumstances, when the polls close, they close, that's it. These are new times; everyone is well aware of that, so if people are that concerned about their vote then they should just be a little bit more responsible with their vote if they want to ensure that it will be counted because I think the only thing to do if there should be an attack, would be to just count what can be counted, whether it's 2 or 2,000...the poll's closed, end of story; that's the way it's always worked, that's the way it should continue to work.