You make good points, WP.  Re:  the independent Florida recounts done by the (as I recall) _Miami Herald_ and _Washington Post_ in the great majority of cases *enlarged* George Bush's margin of victory, not diminished it.   Liberals of course don't like to hear this.  :-/

This news was reported at the time on p. 16, back next to the hog jowl futures (no media attempt to slant the issue there, oh no!)    ;-)