Posted on 12/05/2003 8:26:01 AM PST by Scenic Sounds
Hating President Bush has become a national pastime. It seems almost funny, how one man can stir up the ire of so many people. There are all sorts of reasons to hate the President. When BestandWorst.com asked their readers why they hate Bush, there were all sorts of reasons, which ranged from “because he fits way too many anti-Christ proficiencies, seriously”, to. “No, the question is - who would let an ugly monkey rule a nation?” Now, these are funny – somewhat because of the ignorance (a President doesn’t rule a nation), and somewhat because of the wording (ugly monkey?).
But, seriously, Democrats – especially those who are running for President in 2004 - love this outpouring of rage, and they’re quick to do their best to channel it. There are “I hate Bush” bumper stickers, t-shirts, underwear. There are myriad websites devoted to the subject. There was even a recent Bush-hating conference held in Hollywood. The Democrats want as many people as possible to think it’s cool to hate Bush, and they’re pushing it as hard as possible.
However, is their policy of hate actually going to win them any votes in 2004? Sure, there are the die-hard, “yellow dog” Democrats, (as we call them in the South). But these guys don’t just hate Bush – they hate Republicans in general. Actually, they hate Independents and Greens and Libertarians, too – everyone but Democrats. A hate-Bush policy isn’t likely to affect them one way or another. They’re going to vote the same way they always do.
Then there is that elusive group of middle-ground voters. This is an eclectic group. Contained here are the so-called soccer moms, the white Southern guys with the Confederate flags hanging in their trucks, the college students who are trying to figure out who is who and what ideology fits them best. These are the people that are truly struggling (for the most part) to make the right decision. Most have already formed opinions about which political party they agree with, and most tend to vote one way or another on a regular basis. However, these are the people that the Democrats are struggling to plug into the electricity of their rage and ire against the President.
Democrats, however, don’t seem to understand how silly, futile and powerless this attitude makes them look. Most people do not respond well to purely reactionary policies, but that’s what the Democrats are using. There doesn’t seem to be a unified plan among them; there’s just a lot of smoke and hot air and rage and screaming. It makes one wonder if the Democrats would exist were Bush not in office. They have become the party of the anti-Bush – the party that isn’t the Republicans.
I have to admit – I’m not one of those people that want the Democrats to just vanish from sight, though I sympathize with those who do. As in economics, a little competition usually improves the quality of the end result. However, Democrats are marketing themselves so badly lately that it’s not even a competition anymore – it’s like watching a big man finally kick the crap out of the dog that’s been nipping its heels. You feel a bit sorry for the dog, but you thoroughly enjoy watching. And so it is now. Politics is about practicality. If the Democrats think that hating Bush is going to win those votes, they’re going to continue to push that policy as hard as they can, even when it means getting kicked. It didn’t work in 2000, it backfired horribly in 2002, but they simply can’t learn their lesson. Maybe they need another kick.
Cathryn Crawford is a student at the University of Texas. She can be reached with questions or comments at CathrynCrawford@WashingtonDispatch.com.
You're welcome.
It's intended as a compliment, even if you don't see it that way. :)
No, it's a bit more popular than that, at least where I am. And where I am is a Bush stronghold.
And a pretty atypical one, I'd guess. Good for her!
Rage is no substitute for leadership.
Some people hate Bush. Most people don't. Thus, the burden is on the Democrats to persuade people that they have a better vision for the future, and a clear plan on how to realize that vision.
That's because Bill Clinton had policies and personal problems that were worthy of attack.
A far better example would be the Hillary hatred on this board. Hillary has never done anything except ride around on her husband's coattails and get herself elected to the Senate. Her health care plan was stupid, but that's no reason for the constant harping on how ugly she is or the monikers "Hitlary" and "Hildebeast."
Shalom.
Perhaps, but most of the things we said about bj were true. All the things they're throwing at W are straight from fantasy island.
Well, a lot of great people come barreling out of Texas, but she is one of their best!!
I Hate Bushes
Set fire to them all
Shalom.
Rage is no substitute for leadership.
Have you ever known anyone who could make good decisions when filled with rage?
We all need to avoid that trap!! ;-)
You're spot-on on the independent issue, Cathryn--presidential elections are decided by the independents, and independents are persuaded by rational candidates. The dems know this as well as anyone else, but when all you're left with in the toolbox is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.
BDS/Bush Derangement Syndrome: the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal people in reaction to the policies, the presidency -- nay -- the very existence of George W. Bush.
Thanks for that and for the link to that column.
I've given this matter a lot of thought and studied it extensively. I've learned that the vast majority of those who hate Bush and who suffer from BDS are Generation X folks and younger. Nearly all of us who are baby-boomers love President Bush are sticking with him!!!
It's those younger folks. What can we do with them? ;-)
That is a great line! Thank you. ;-)
The average Dem doesn't bother me
It's the Commies that call themselves Dems that do
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