“Hello. This is President George W. Bush. You will soon receive an application for an absentee ballot. Please take the time to fill out that application and mail it back. Once you’ve received your ballot I hope you’ll support our great Republican candidates. They’re working to make America stronger, safer, and better. I appreciate their support of my agenda. Please, when a vote-by-mail application arrives, fill it out and return it. It’s a convenient way to vote. Exercise your right as an American to vote, and join me in supporting our Republican candidates. Thank you.” A different voice then says, “Paid for by Team California, California Republican Party.”
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The taped call does seem to be illegal–but only in the hyperliteral sense that driving 56 miles per hour on the Tri-State is illegal. How could anyone not know who President George W. Bush is or where to reach him?
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/Lloyd DeGrane.
