August 31, 2004
President Bush, who doesn't think America
can win the war on terror ...
So the President doesn't think the war on terror is winnable? Yes, that may in fact be the case, but it was a dumb thing to say, and if the Democrats let Bush up off the mat this time they don't deserve to win.
Every reference to Mr. Bush from now until Election Day, whatever the context, should including the phrase "President Bush, who doesn't think America can win the war on terror." Let him "clarify" to his heart's content, and keep making references to his flip-flopping and the debate he seems to be having with himself.
[No, I'm not kidding, or exaggerating for effect: every reference. Yes, it gets boring, but that's the way this sort of battle gets won. The (false) belief that George W. Bush, who doesn't believe that America can win the war on terror, is a better or more dedicated leader against Islamist terrorism is his sole selling point for this election, and he just gave it away if his opponents have the wit and the tenacity to pounce on his gaffe.]
And John Kerry ought to add a line to his stump speech: "President Bush doesn't think we can win the war on terror. I do, and I will."
Or, in a longer version, "President Bush doesn't think we can win the war on terror. Well, we sure can't the way he's fighting it. But I believe we can win the war on terror, and if I'm elected President we will. That's a promise."
Edwards can do the same, substituting "But John Kerry and I believe we can win the war on terror, and if you elect him President we will. That's his promise, and mine."
