Found over at Talking Points Memo, this amazing story from Associated Press:
Some Democrats seeking Cheney tickets had to sign oath
By RICHARD BENKE
Associated Press WriterRIO RANCHO, N.M. (AP) — Some Democrats who signed up to hear Vice President Dick Cheney speak here Saturday were refused tickets unless they signed a pledge to endorse President Bush.
The measure was a security step designed to avoid a disruption, which Bush campaign spokesman Dan Foley alleged Democrats were planning. Democratic Party officials denied it.
Several Democrats, at least, encountered the screening measures Thursday after calling from a line that self-identified as ACT, America Coming Together, an activist group that supports Kerry, Foley said. Others attempted to give false names and were denied tickets, he said.
Two men who had sought tickets reported they were required to give name, address, phone number, e-mail address and driver’s license number, then were presented the pledge of endorsement when they arrived to pick up the tickets Thursday.
The purported explanation is that a speech by the Vice-President is a “reward” for loyal supporters, and consequently need not be open to ordinary non-supporting Americans.
Outrage fatigue. That’s the only way they can get away with this stuff.