Everyone seems to have written off this election as case closed. We need to remember that the electors do actually gather to vote in Dec., and their vote is the one that counts. Perhaps it's time for us to use the electoral college in a way that the framers of the Constitution intended - as a buffer between the "masses" and their uncertain voting methods and the election. What I mean to say is that the electoral college is not just a rubber stamp - it was meant to be a deliberative body.
So, is it possible to, between now and the vote in Dec., to convince enough electors to vote for Kerry instead of Bush to win Kerry the election? I'm certain that there are sufficient states that don't have "faithless elector" laws (we wouldn't want to pressure anyone to break any laws now, whether or not they're constitutional). In fact, IIRC, one Rep. elector from WV came out before the election declaring his intention to be faithless. Assuming IA and NM go to Jr., that means we would need to convince 17 individuals of 286 (less those bound by law - probably) that Bush II is unfit to be President between now and mid Dec. and Kerry can win the election.
The only question remaining is the always tricky, "How?" First of all, it is necessary to convince these individuals that they are not meant to be a rubber stamp, but a thoughtful body that will carefully choose the next President. An appeal to the founding fathers should be sufficient to stir the soul of any true Conservative. Next, it is necessary to convince them that Bush is unfit for office or that he did not earn it on election day 2004. Make both arguments, I say. Not just in the abstract, for sure - coordinate a letter writing campaign (the least obtrusive way to do it, I think - doing it through telephone or personal contact would be akin to harassment). Hammer away with things like personal stories of family lost in Iraq, health problems from Bush's pollution policy (esp Mercury), and the unverifiable election that has at least the appearance of impropriety. Selling Kerry wouldn't hurt, either. Hell, getting Kerry and Edwards to press the flesh with the electors wouldn't be a bad idea.
Republicans can't complain about usurping the will of the people without admitting that George II's first term was illegitimate. Small consolation it would be now, but the payoff is potentially great. Keep in mind that I'm only suggesting that we play by the rules as they stand. There is no law that I no of preventing people from contacting their electors. Especially since they are a representative body elected by the people, why should they be insulated from contact with the people they're supposed to represent?
So, do you think that we can convince 5.6% (16 - Remember we already have one from WV) of Jr.'s electors to vote against him between now and mid Dec.? If we start acting right now, that's a month and a half.
You know what? Me neither. It's fun to consider the possibilities, though. If we mount the effort, it may even (finally) convince the Republicans to abolish the electoral college.