Bush and the Media ("New tone" will cause 43 to lose)

http://www.townhall.com/columnists/lindachavez/printlc20031001.shtml ^ | 10/1/03 | Linda Chavez

[GulliverSwift]

I think Chavez is right on the money here. There's no reason to horde all that money gwb has been raising and then spend it at the last minute.

He should spend some of it now to help boost his ratings. He can't rely on the presstitutes to get the good news out from Iraq so he has to do it himself. Maybe Bush should also give a speech some time in November as sort of a report on what's going on now.

[sauropod]

Agree with the analysis. But that is what the Stupid party typically does with elections.

[RetiredArmy]

Like I have said in many other posts, the RNC and Republican Party are self-inflicted wounds. 99% of their problems are of their own making, either by not-doing or doing too late, or being weak kneed with the socialist. People who continue to look at Bush through rose colored glasses had better get a real grip. It will not take much for the unwashed to vote for the socialist and we will be right back with another Klinton administration for 8 years. Right, I hate it just as much as you do, but I actually look at facts and don't just "hope" it is going to turn out all right. Bush has done a good job in some areas, and a very poor job in others. He has hurt himself a lot.

[GSWarrior]

Wasn't this Daddy Bush's problem? His failure or reluctance to step into the campaign fray? If I remember correctly, George Bush's re-election push was lackluster at best.

[LS]

There are other things at work (go here: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/992535/posts) and, contrary to Chavez, not all of them bad. I think a reasonable argument can be made that the "new tone" helped Bush win several senate seats in 02.

Regardless, it is FAR too early to start handicapping the election. A million things can, and will, happen between now and then. For one thing, both Afghanistan and Iraq are going to have constitutions, and some public removal of troops is going to occur. For another, you guys need to recall that EVERY TIME the Dems have attacked Bush, it backfires. I think there is a spiritual reason for this, but you are welcome to your own conclusions.

[theDentist]

I doubt 43 will lose. Secondly, spending money now will only leave less in the coffers when it's really needed.
Let the Dems spend their money firing shots at each other (as well as the Pres). At this point and time in the last 5 Presidencies all were at the same basic poll levels.

[dwilli]

If the election were to be held next month instead of 13 months from now, I as a lifelong Republican would not for GWB. There is no democrat I would consider voting for either. I would not mark that part of the ballot.

[Uncle George]

Bush should give a half hour progress report every three weeks on the FDR theme of fireside chats only call them "FREEDOM PROGRESS ADDRESSES". The COMMIE LIB press will bury the GOP if Bush does'nt keep one step ahead of them.

[areafiftyone]

Wasn't this Daddy Bush's problem? His failure or reluctance to step into the campaign fray? If I remember correctly, George Bush's re-election push was lackluster at best.

You are exactly correct. Daddy Bush was counting on his Gulf War status to bring him thru the election and it didn't work. The economy was doing very poorly then and it seemed like he didn't care. Once you give the democreeps that kind of opening they jump in like the bacteria they are and seep into the wound and infest it. Bush is doing that right now. HE HAS TO STOP THEM but I am afraid his advisors are telling him (like they told his father) to wait until the primaries are over. In the meantime the Democreeps are starting to hypnotise the American people. Bush cannot wait until the primaries he has to begin his campaigning right now!

[bluebunny]

Bingo! Linda Chavez knows her stuff. She has pinpointed exactly the problem. Repubs are counting on the Democrats to defeat themselves. Not a good strategy IMO.

[Coop]

I as a lifelong Republican would not for GWB.

And what would be - what's the word I'm looking for? - stupid.

[Enterprise]

I hope you are right here. Why spend money now on minor matters. Wait until next year and spend the huge amount that has been raised and steamroll the nutcase party.

[familyofman]

"At this point and time in the last 5 Presidencies all were at the same basic poll levels."

That is no reason to assume the next outcome will be the same (on average) as those 5 previous elections. It's far too dangerous trying to drive forward while looking in the rear view mirror - the last 5 turns were left, therefor the next turn must be left. We should learn from the past without becoming too sure of it's predictive value of the future.

[Coop]

He should spend some of it now to help boost his ratings.

Which would immediately be seized upon as proof that Bush is vulnerable. I think he's smart to maintain the course. Those folks at the White House will know long before you and I if things are really starting to get worrisome.

[dwilli]

Is that reply considered debate over at redneck headquarters?

[w_over_w]

Anyone notice what's missing from this analysis? As a matter of fact it's ALWAYS missing from these analysis.

Who's going to be the Ross Perot that siphones off 20 million votes from the Republicans?

[Coop]

Debate might involve including a reason as to why a "lifelong Republican" [wink] wouldn't vote for President Bush's re-election.

And I don't mean some whiny, one-issue bellyaching. I mean a thoughtful review of what's occurred the past three years, and what's ahead. Have I lost you yet?

[LibFreeUSA]

Let's face it. Republicans never attack and change the subject, or change the premise by which the attack is based. This is something the Democrats are always totally focused and experts at. BECAUSE THEY DO IT CONSTANTLY!

The Republicans always want to conduct themselves as 'principled' people, something which the Democrats are not, and don't claim to be. As such, the Republicans only 'hit' (maybe) if they are first hit. Problem is, they only hit back when it's too late, or not at all.

[bluebunny]

He doesn't have to spend money on ads. He needs to go over the press and speak directly to the public. He and his top-level officials could have more frequent press conferences to get their message out. The press could spin afterwards but they could not spin their actual words and people could make up their own minds. Right now, the press is spinning and filling in the void because you really don't hear from this administration that much. He could send his aides out to discuss the issues directly with the people more often. There are lots of things to do beside ads.

[CedarDave]

The RATS are controlling the agenda and the media are being their usual lap-dogs. What is it going to take for the White House to wake up and battle the "enemy"? They have to go on the offensive, and not wait too long to do so. I get regular updates from GeorgeWBush.com, but they're preaching to the choir, IMO. When is the Bush camp going to start countering the liberal press onslaught? He has a considerable campaign war chest, when is he going to start to use it? Waiting too long to go to get into the battle may make it too late for him, and our country's future.