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Tense MSNBC Segment Features Anchor Badgering GOP Comm. Director Over Voter ID Laws Being a ‘Poll Tax’

Oct. 10, 2012 3:53pm Mytheos Holt

RNC Communications Director Sean Spicer faced a round of repetitive questioning from MSNBC anchor Thomas Roberts today over the issue of whether Voter ID laws are really meant to address a serious problem, or if they are, as Roberts kept insisting, nothing but unconstitutional voter suppression. The full exchange, which took over seven and a half minutes and involved repeated crosstalk and dubious assertions on both sides, finally resulted with Roberts backing down slightly against Spicer.

In describing the voter ID laws as “voter suppression,” Roberts initially argued that because IDs cost money, the requirement to get ID amounts to an unconstitutional poll tax. Spicer responded with several counter-arguments, including that Voter ID laws are popular, and that in most states, there are provisions allowing IDs to be given out for free. This latter point is not universally true – indeed, it varies depending on which state one is talking about. However, it did seem to give Roberts some pause.

Roberts, for his part, relied heavily on rhetorical points, arguing that voting was a “basic American right” as determined by the Founders. In actuality, this point is wrong, given that the Founders never envisioned a system of universal suffrage and, in fact, supported voting rights being restricted on the basis of property ownership – a much more strict barrier to voting than even a real poll tax. Moreover, despite constitutional restrictions on what criteria states can and cannot use to determine who is allowed to vote, there is no constitutional right to vote. Spicer did not mention these facts, but was able to counter Roberts successfully with the fact that the Supreme Court has already found Voter ID laws to be constitutional.

Mediaite describes the full exchange:

“I actually find it extremely insulting to say that there was any effort by anyone to suppress the vote,” said Spicer. “I find that unbelievably insulting.”

Roberts interrupted, asking if Spicer would say that to a federal panel who recently ruled that a voter identification law in Texas would impose an undue burden on the poor. “They said that this was basically a poll tax and it would be voter suppression in the state of Texas and it won’t be happening there,” said Roberts.

Spicer shot back that a similar law in Rhode Island has gone unchallenged, as well as in other states. He also said that a broad majority of Americans support identification requirements. Spicer went on to conclude that most identification is provided for free and the principle that applies to air planes and government buildings should also apply to the voting booth.

“But your basic American right is not to fly, is it Sean,” Roberts asked.

“No, but I don’t understand your question,” Spicer replied. Crosstalk ensued as the pair argued over the validity of the equation between the right to enter a secured area and the right to vote. Spicer argued that the right to drive on a road could be a poll tax because a license is required.

A final note on poll taxes: Roberts’ belief that any expenditure of money being required as a prerequisite for voting can be dismissed as a “poll tax” would invalidate practically every feature of modern voting. Under this standard, having to spend money on gas to drive to a polling place would be a poll tax, as would being required to buy a postage stamp if one was voting via absentee ballot. It is, therefore, not an argument that any court is likely to advance.

Roberts also misstated the rationale of courts that have struck down voter ID provisions as being based on the argument that voter ID laws disadvantage the poor. Rather, the court that struck down Texas’ voter ID laws cited disproportionate impact on the basis of race as their rationale.

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Comments (54)

silkworm199
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 8:15pm
Ask these liberal losers if they think it’s a tax to show an ID to purchase a handgun in this country, after all, it’s a fundamental right in the Constitution just like voting.

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- 13th Imam
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:59am
  Here in Deep Blue Connecticut, the Blacks, and Hispanics must be way smarter than in states that want to require voter ID’s. Everyone needs a photo ID here. Why is it not a poll tax, here ?
  
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pitboss711
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 6:21pm
I recently moved back to my home state, which has a voter ID law. To get a state ID, I had to get a copy of my state issued birth certificate. Since I was requesting it to obtain a state ID for voting purposes, it cost me nothing. Today, I just got back from the county courthouse after applying for my state ID. Again, it cost me nothing! I am 64 and low income. So much for arguments that it’s a burden on seniors, low income people, or a “poll tax”. What now??

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BannedByHuffpo
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 6:08pm
Hey dem/progressive …. just HOW MUCH voter fraud is OK with you?

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- rennyangel
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 6:22pm
  All of it.
  
  Report this comment
- dmerwin
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 7:32pm
  So long as it benefits liberals there cannot be too much.
  
  Report this comment
Individualism
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 5:27pm
how about a Knowledge test so stupid voters can’t vote, citizen means to be informed and its not racist either if anyone says that is racist there saying other races are stupid and that is racist. but that would likely stop 95% of republican and democrat voters from voting, o snap GJ or RP landslide if that happened even if they rigged it like they do now lol.

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- damon_k
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 5:52pm
  Considering that it is hard to fully participate in American life without an ID, Democrats are doing a disservice to those they are working to keep from having an ID. I guess all the Liberals want these people for is to vote for them and nothing else. Read more insights at: http://smallcraftadvisorychronicles.blogspot.com/
  
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- MRMADMAN
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 6:31pm
  The interviewer of the kids I used to argue with in middle school. What an idiot.
  
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- dmerwin
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 7:33pm
  That should include some basic logic, which would exclude liberals.
  
  Report this comment
- Fubared
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 8:38pm
  Windy
  Do 4 people know about Johnson yet and how did Paul take your apology for sending support away from him in droves? Got the Barr pic ready? What is your thc level this late in the day? You know by your own “thoughts”, you exclude yourself. Windy, what a maroon.
  
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bennyC
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 5:01pm
The key thing is was he said “is a basic American right” emphasis on “American”. A person have to prove that you are an American citizen in order to be able to vote.

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DoctorRon
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:47pm
Has anyone ever come up with a number for how many people who don’t have photo ID? I suspect we are talking about a relatively small number of people most of whom wouldn’t vote anyway.

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- Johnny Cocheroo
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 5:31pm
  Pretty ironic ID is needed to use a credit card, buy booze, rent movies, go to Canada or Mexico, fly anywhere, enter federal buildings, pick up prescription drugs, drive a car, .
  
  But to elect the most powerful man on the planet….nope, that would be intimidation.
  
  Report this comment
- Exrepublisheep
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 5:53pm
  The Voting Rights Act of 1965. If voter I.D. impacts blacks to a much greater degree than it does whites (and it certainly does) it’s illegal.
  
  Report this comment
- endthemindlessspending
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 10:38pm
  @Currentdemsheep
  
  How do they get there obama bucks without an ID?
  http://youtu.be/Z5tqH7UrzOwhttp://youtu.be/Z5tqH7UrzOw
  
  “When was the last time you worked?” “I Would say about half a decade”
  
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- endthemindlessspending
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 10:47pm
  @currentemocratsheep
  
  “I will have these N**GERS voting democrat for two hundred years” LBJ
  
  Funny isn’t he the same guy who voted against any civil rights bill the Republicans created. Until he became president that is and needed votes.
  
  Report this comment
- EWeatherwax
  Posted on October 11, 2012 at 9:03am
  One of the interviewer’s arguments was hilarious. He said it was an undue burden for people who lived in rural areas and might have to drive 30 miles to get an ID. Wait a minute—they’re DRIVING? Seems to me they would already have an ID then.
  
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tom comella
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:42pm
Let’s see, I cannot get on an airplane without a photo ID, nor take a cruise, nor open a bank account, nor get credit at a store, nor even open a checking account. But to have an ID in order to vote is somehow Oh so overwhelming. Think of how infantilizing this is of the assumed “poor and the ignorant”. The liberal mind set that is so apparent as they go about “defending” the poor and the “minority” is so condescending and demeaning as to be pitiful. Some day–soon– the poor and undereducated people of this country are going to rise up and realize that their so called Liberal “friends” actually hold them in contempt and consider them to be incapable of personal responsibility. And then God help the Liberal feel gooders that have sold the poor down the river for political power. Tar and feathers come to mind!

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- lynda1276
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 6:34pm
  i have to show a picture id to buy over the counter Aleve for my sinuses.
  
  Report this comment
- Capt_Gregg
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 8:07pm
  Forget about needing a photo ID for such niceties as flying, opening a bank account, using a credit card, etc. One must have a photo ID to receive benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security or even an “Obamaphone.” Those are the same people (seniors and the poor) the liberals say would be unable to comply with voter ID laws.
  
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vz1k6w
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:37pm
Roberts is just plain wrong when he says there is no voter fraud in this country but I have to say Sean argued the point terribly. Its a basic premise… we want voter ID to PROTECT the right to vote by ensuring DEAD people aren’t voting, that CATS and DOGS aren’t voting.. GET IT SEAN!!! Its simple and you have no argument for PRESERVING the voting privilage.

If you’re going to argue the point … dammit argue the matter CRISPLY!!! Sean – is right but geeze that was a terrible interview….

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BODYBAG
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:37pm
This BS argument about a photo ID “placing undue burden on the poor” and
being discriminatory is just garbage. Here are the facts from DMV:

“Any resident who does not have a valid driver license can get a photo ID, regardless of age.
It looks just like a driver license, except you do not get driving privileges. People use them to
write checks, travel on trains or airplanes, get library cards, and to prove their age in order to
purchase alcohol or cigarettes. The current fee for an ID card is just $10.”

Given the fact that many people considered “poor” still have big screen TVs, cars,
video games, etc. —– the cost of a $10 ID card = 2 happy meals or 2 packs of
cigarettes or 2 six-packs —– the latter 2 you need a photo ID to purchase anyway.

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- BannedByHuffpo
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 6:05pm
  “2 six packs” for $10?
  
  Are they still making Meister Brau?
  
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HKS
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:34pm
There should be a poll tax, “if you don’t pay tax, there’s no polls for you”.

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- Mapache
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:53pm
  I like it. Put photos on EBT cards and everyone would be covered.
  
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c130herk
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:34pm
Instead of showing an ID to vote lets just demand that you show an ID just to enter the polling offices across the USA that way no one can cry that its not fair because we all know its about safety RIGHT!!!!!!
Think outside the box lets turn it around on them
If you have to show ID to get into a Obama speech or Eric Holders speeches then it OK to show an ID to get into the polling places
WAKE UP PEOPLE TIMES RUNNING OUT ON AMERICA

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thegreatcarnac
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:32pm
It is not racist nor unethical to ask someone to show a legal ID to vote in any election. Obviously voting is the heart of any democracy and if the people begin to perceive that the vote is miscounted or that some get to vote many times, then the ‘vote’ is not sacrosanct. People lose faith in the nation and soon decide to take the law into their own hands to effect change. If you want to destroy a democracy,….make the voting procedures and results questionable. They are questionable NOW.

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scuba13
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:30pm
I thought that was Obama.

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PlanetReality
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:30pm
PHOTO ID OR get rid of RED LIGHTS!!!!!!! They r one big inconvience also!!!!!!

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wildturkeywatcher
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:29pm
Does MSNBC have any anchors who are NOT rude, disgusting people?

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cristo52
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:26pm
Tommy Roberts has spent too much time in front of his mirror and he’s starting to believe his own ****.

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Larry E
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:25pm
Maybe Mr Spicer should have asked Mr Roberts why it required more ID and ID checks to get into the DNC than to vote? Strange that the Demorats aren’t concerned about who votes or how many times, but getting into their precious convention is like getting into a top secret military site.

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normalmom
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:17pm
I have had to deal with being on welfare, guess what….. I need copies of social security cards for me and my family and I needed a copy if my personal ID and my husbands. If we didn’t have it our welfare caseworker had the program help us pay for them. So please explain to me why they can’t get a five dollar ID card.

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AvengerK
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:13pm
What Roberts should be saying is Voter ID laws disadvantage Democrat voters…for any number of reasons. I doubt Roberts cares if Republican voters can afford the ID’s or not in the state that charge for them. And just curious..what’s the cost of these ID’s?

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- MDECKER
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:36pm
  My guess is that the people MSNC Roberts is so concerned about not having the funds for valid IDs, are the very people who were standing in line to buy the new Iphone 5 when they first came out.
  
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RightUnite
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:13pm
This idiot has his head so far up Obama’s **** it’s not even funny!

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2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:12pm
WANGO’s mother makes $84 hourly on her back. She has been out of work for seven months but last month her payment was $42 just working on her back for a few hours. (Unfortunately, most customers asked for a refund.) Read more on this site..http://WANGO's_mother.gov

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- AvengerK
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:58pm
  there’s also a link to Obama’s campaign donation site there.
  
  Report this comment
- 2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
  Posted on October 10, 2012 at 5:14pm
  also a link to Bathhouse_Barry’s_Big_Night_Out.com
  
  Report this comment
762x51
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:07pm
Voter ID laws only suppress the fraudulent vote which is a key component of the Democrat base.

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00gabooga
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:06pm
This is the left’s last, best shot at perpetuating voter fraud. Get ready for the dead to vote, get ready for people voting multiple times under different names, get ready to see black panthers standing post outside the polls. They are going to pull out all the stops, so it’s up to the rest of us to make sure that there are enough legitimate votes to render the left’s corruption moot. THEY ARE COUNTING ON OUR COMPLACENCY FOLKS!

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2MINUTESTOMIDNIGHT
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 4:02pm
“Roberts also misstated the rationale of courts that have struck down voter ID provisions as being based on the argument that voter ID laws disadvantage the poor.”

In fact, voter ID laws do disadvantage some voters, to wit: (1) dead voters, (2) multi-vote voters, (3) illegal voters….

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starman70
Posted on October 10, 2012 at 3:58pm
These CNBC people are trying to compete with MSNBC. They both suck!

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