Posted on 09/10/2006 4:28:32 PM PDT by Peach
WASHINGTON — Just about a week into his drive to highlight terrorism and national security, President Bush appears to be getting some new political traction.
A CBS News/New York Times poll found 55 percent of Americans approve of how Bush is handling the anti-terrorism campaign, a slight increase from last month.
In recent days, Bush delivered four major speeches and a national radio address on terrorism, bolstered by a quick round of network television interviews.
If Bush's strategy for reminding Americans about the threat of terrorism helps Republicans in November's congressional elections, it will be in part because he's mining a deep vein of lingering public anxiety. A recent Pew Research Center poll found 67 percent are either very or somewhat worried about another attack.
"I actually think it's likely to be fairly good for him politically," said John Fortier, a political scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. "Obviously, things are very bad — he is not popular and the Republicans are not popular, and the direction right now is toward the Democrats. But arguments for national security still work for Bush."
Bush's grim rhetoric on terrorism, echoed and in some cases amplified by Vice President Dick Cheney and other administration officials, also could serve the GOP by eroding gains Democrats have made recently on their handling of national security issues.
A Fox News poll last week found 33 percent said they trust Democrats to protect the country from terrorism, and 37 percent said they trust Republicans.
For the 9/11 anniversary, Bush plans to visit all three attack sites, in New York, Arlington, Va., and Shanksville, Pa.
Polls show what most people probably know: memories of the attacks are still very potent for Americans. According to the Pew poll, 95 percent said they remember exactly where they were or what they were doing when they heard of the attacks.
A Time magazine poll found that 18 percent said they think about the attacks every day; 35 percent said a few times a week or a few times a month. Only 13 percent said they hardly ever think about it.
"Many Americans look at these events and ask the same question: Five years after 9/11, are we safer? The answer is, yes, America is safer," Bush said last week in Atlanta. "We are safer because we've taken action to protect the homeland."
Of course, many security experts and voters disagree.
Asked why they think the U.S. hasn't been hit again since 2001, 39 percent in the Pew poll credited the government's efforts and 40 percent said it was luck.
Terrorism is a strong issue for Bush, but the administration's secret weapon in the campaigns remains first lady Laura Bush.
She has a 69 percent public approval rating, and she is in constant demand by candidates to headline fundraisers and other events.
Last month she checked in at five events for Republican candidates, and is expected to step up her schedule as November approaches.
Bush also mentions her frequently in campaign speeches — generally to apologize that he's there instead of her. Bush's public approval rating is about 40 percent.
Nevertheless, in an interview last week with ABC News, the president downplayed the notion that Republican candidates are shying away from him.
"I frankly haven't had that many say, 'I don't want you around.' " Bush said. "Uh, now some of them are wisely saying, 'I'd rather have Laura than you.' "
I try not to associate with that 40% but it isn't easy!
An oldy but goody from Ijaz on Clinton's Intel record: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/902359/posts
The Clinton f'ing hate the Untied States of America, our way of life and our democracy.
People understand that whether they agree or disagree with Bush, they absolutely know that the dims will never do as good at fighting terror.
:-) Thank you, again, Peach!
Good news, five years out, isn't it? I'm smiling.
Wow! How did that one escape me? I've sent it to my freepmail for a later add to the list I keep. Thanks so much for remembering my interest in this matter, Combat.
:-) It's true now as it was in 2004. The Dems can't touch him on security
Clinton most likely found the old Carter play-book laying around the WH. He probably concluded the Carters' policies were totally ineffective so he decided to do even less
People like harry reid and lalapelosi?
Give me a break.
alapelosi. LOL. Very good.
Going to the Live thread shortly for The Path to 9/11, OldFriend.
Thankfully, I live in a different country than David Gregory.
In David Gregoryland-we apparently have car bombings, beheadings, school massacres ala Beslan, WMD attacks,etc.
Tonight, DG said that President Bush and his administration have been forced to " vigorously defend how they have conducted the WOT."
In my country- we have not had a terrorist attack since 9/11- so there is nothing for President Bush to " defend."
Only huzzahs and thanks for a job well done.
Dittos to the military and everyone else responsible for keeping my country safe.
How horrible it must be to live in Democratmedialand.
That 40% wont give Bush credit for anything. They can't make up their minds on whether he's an incompetent chimp or an evil mastermind bent on turning this country into a Christian theocracy.
With the WOT there aren't any concrete measurements of success other than we haven't been attacked since 9-11. The Democrats quickly spin that to a lack of threat.
Democrats stress that certain things haven't been done to enhance security. If given the chance they won't be willing to do those things either.
You want luck? I'll call your 'luck' and raise you several caliber, tactical gear and throw in some windage.
Local news here has been so heartbreaking. Not sure I'm going to stay on line...or watch. I'll try to watch tho.
Its weird how they can see that while they can't acknowledge the fact that the Islamic Fascists are bent on turning the world into a Islamic theocracy.
"According to the Pew poll, 95 percent said they remember exactly where they were or what they were doing when they heard of the attacks."
This statement has made me wonder about the other 5%. What is the excuse they used? I can only think that they are either six year old kids or just have amnesia. Either that or they are the hardcore moonbats.
Note tagline.
Good one!
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