Posted on 10/01/2004 3:46:07 AM PDT by LS
Ever watch one of those boxing movies where the hero belts the loud-mouthed opponent right in the kisser, but to no apparent effect? Then, the villain wobbles a little, develops that funny look in his eyes, then tumbles like an rotten oak?
Last night in Miami, the President delivered one of these delayed-reaction shots to John Kerry.
Reading the posts of Freepers was both funny and horrifying. "We lost the election tonight," moaned one. "It's over," said another.
That's probably what "Rocky's" trainer was thinking right before Clubber Lang hit the mat.
The fact is, Kerry is finished.
The post-moretms today---from Seattle to Albuquerque, from the Fox All Stars to the human catfish, Susan Estrich---all agree that while Kerry scored minor points early, no opinions changed.
That, my friends, is the knockout blow for Bush. It's now October 1, meaning that foreign policy will not come up in the subsequent debates. Put another way, had Kerry delivered a right uppercut, Bush would still have had a 30-day-standing count to recover. But Kerry did no such thing, His minor style-sheet debate point "wins" will fade by early next week, while Bush's seriousness---yes, at times, anger at having to even deal with such nonsense---will continue to shape public opinion.
Leave the boxing metaphor for a moment and use that of a roller-coaster: Kerry pegged everything on Iraq---his "high point," if you will. Now, that "momentum" (or lack thereof) has to sustain him for 30 days. It ain't gonna happen.
While Terry McAuliffe smirks and thinks he can run videos of Bush "being angry and perturbed," he's missing the fact that his coaster is already losing momentum, and his boxer is already out on his feet.
I not only look for polls not to change, but for Bush to continue to gain in Maryland, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Two lines in particular will reverberate after the Kerry condescension evaporates: the one about asking allies to fight for a "diversion," and the one about leaders needing to be steady and consistent.
It was a huge mistake for Kerry to allow the foreign policy debate first. Even if he had won decisively, it allowed Bush more than a month to regain his footing. But as matters stand, the coaster is already pulling into the station, and there won't be any more runs this year.
"Just stay away from that mouth!"
I think there's a Roald Dahl story about that!
Did Kerry say anything new? No
However did Kerry make many gaffes that the Bush campaign can pound? Yes
Therefore, Bush won.
True...
I'd also add that Team Kerry is going to gleen a false sense of security from Lurch's "performance" last night. That will indeed be their high-water mark.
I assume Rocky, er, I mean Dubya is going to have a few surprises in store for Kerry by the next debate.
ITMT, the Bush camp will also kick it up a notch by being far less charitable towards Kerry than they have been.
We are developing it and development is as good as having it when it comes to the way our enemies behave.
A weapon such as this one is critical to maintaining our qualitative edge into the next century.
(2) no one else has?
This is a counter weapon, it's not an offensive weapon. To give it up (without even a treaty) enhances the offensive capabilities of our opponents.....IMHO that's unilaterally disarming.
FOP!! Love it...what was the silly movie some years ago about some 18th century gigolo??
"Barry something"??? Wasn't Ryan O'Neal in it??
G
"For what's it's worth, you would have hated Lincoln, who was a terrible public speaker. It's only when you listen closely to---or read---his words that they carry greatness."
Then there was Slick Willie who is considered by many to be a great speaker. It's only when you listen closely to---or read---his words that you realize he is saying absolutely nothing except when he is lying through his teeth.
Lurch meant Lubyanka Square in downtown Moscow, the site of the head-quarters of the former KGB.
I know..I was answering a question about Treblinka.
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