Iran's Undecided Voters Backlash against President Bush?

This is some really twisted reporting by the AP:

Philadelphia Daily News | 06/20/2005 | Iran hardliners 'thank' Bush: "Iran hardliners 'thank' Bush

Say his rhetoric got voters to turn out for Islamic candidates

Associated Press

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran's spy chief used just two words to respond to White House ridicule of last week's presidential election: 'Thank you.'

His sarcasm was barely hidden. The backfire on Washington was more evident.

The sharp barbs from President Bush were widely seen in Iran as damaging to pro-reform groups because the comments appeared to have boosted turnout among hard-liners in Friday's election - with the result being that an ultraconservative now is in a two-way showdown for the presidency.

'I say to Bush: 'Thank you,' ' quipped Intelligence Minister Ali Yunesi. 'He motivated people to vote in retaliation.'

Bush's comments - blasting the ruling clerics for blocking 'basic requirements of democracy' - became a lively sideshow in Iran's closest election since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. And they highlighted again the United States' often crossed-wire efforts to isolate Iran.

Bush described the election as an exercise in futility because Iran's real power rests with the non-elected Islamic clerics, who can override the president and parliament. Many agree with that description of a regime that allowed just eight presidential candidates from more than 1,000 hopefuls.

Then It goes on tho say this, and this is just unbelievable:

Bush's pre-election denunciations seemed to do the same. Iranian authorities claim Bush energized undecided voters to go to the polls and undercut a boycott drive led by liberal dissidents opposed to the Islamic system.

Wow! It seems that Iran's "undecided voters" really wanted to send a message that they would rather spite the American President that have more freedom. Either that, or President Bush was right, and the elections are a farce. Perhaps decisions are made quickly and firmly when one is looking down the barrel of a gun. Ah, what do I know? I'm SURE the Iranian elections were truly free and fair.

Undecided voters indeed.