Bush speech to steal Dems' thunder

Boston Herald ^ | 1/20/04 | David R. Guarino

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

President Bush seizes the limelight - and an hour of live, national television - from Democrats tonight in a well-timed State of the Union address meant to mute any political bounce his rivals take from the Iowa caucuses.

Bush intends to use his annual speech to Congress as a road map for his re-election, framing the debate in national security language while laying out an aggressive domestic agenda.

After a year of being under constant attack from Democrats, GOP operatives say it's time Bush drives his stake into the campaign trail.

``He needs to communicate to the country that he is a strong commander-in-chief who has a handle on issues of concern to the voters and is looking forward, not backward,'' said Republican strategist Scott Reed.

Republicans began to claim a portion of the political spotlight, barnstorming in Iowa even on the day of the Democrats' caucus.

Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and several GOP operatives hit talk shows to promote Bush as ready for the fight ahead.

``Of course, we want to have our message out there,'' said Frist (R-Tenn.)

Bush's address comes at a perilous time in his presidency, as Democrats gather a head of steam and polls show a growing displeasure with his Oval Office performance.

A Washington Post-ABC News poll released last night shows voters trust Bush on national security concerns but strongly believe a Democrat would better handle issues like the economy, health care and taxes. In fact, Bush is in a statistical dead heat with a nameless Democrat - 48 percent to 46 percent.

In what may well be a speech with a populist theme, Bush will say the war on terror is succeeding, evidenced by Saddam Hussein's capture, and that his tax cuts are helping spur a modest economic recovery.

The president, aides said, will again propose letting small business owners band together to broaden health care options for workers, propose job training grants for unemployed workers and suggest tax cuts be made permanent.

[ken5050]

today's trivia question..who delivered the dem response last year?..and what happened to him/her?...Nancy and Tommy, are you paying attention..

[tdadams]

How's he going to steal their thunder, by copying their platform? What, is he going to advocate their socialist prescription drug plan, offer amnesty to illegal aliens, spend taxpayer money with abandon?

Yeah, right. That'll never happen. Not with a Republican president.

[ladtx]

President Bush seizes the limelight - and an hour of live, national television - from Democrats tonight in a well-timed State of the Union address...

I would term it an ill-timed Iowa caucus. The SOTU address always happens at about the same time every year.

[gdani]

Everyone make sure to hold on to your wallets tonight.............

[southernnorthcarolina]

President Bush seizes the limelight - and an hour of live, national television - from Democrats tonight in a well-timed State of the Union address meant to mute any political bounce his rivals take from the Iowa caucuses.

"Well-timed"? The State of the Union Address is always around January 20 (the anniversary of the inauguration), isn't it?

If the Dems want to have their Iowa caucus the night before, that's their right. If the results get knocked off the front page by the Prez, the Dems have only themselves to blame.

[OneTimeLurker]

Oh Oh, I wonder if there are going to be any new spending proposals!!!!

[southernnorthcarolina]

Beat me to it. But it's a pretty obvious point, is it not? I'm shocked -- shocked I tell you -- to see such a display of bias in a Boston paper.

[el_texicano]

Wasn't it the governor from Washington State???

[Williams]

You've all said it. Once our eyes are opened, the bias jumps off the page, doesn't it? The lie about the "timing" of the State of the Union is obvious. Note that EVERY article about Bush now says that everything he does as president is an election year stunt.

[Wphile]

Gary Locke who made a complete fool of himself. He's not even seeking re-election because he knows he wouldn't win this time around.

[ken5050]

Yup..Gary Locke...who's now "not" running..in order to devote more time to his family..I think that Wash state is gonna be a big surprise this year..W can carry the state AND Patty Murray can go to the rest home...

[KantianBurke]

How's he going to steal their thunder, by copying their platform? What, is he going to advocate their socialist prescription drug plan, offer amnesty to illegal aliens, spend taxpayer money with abandon? Yeah, right. That'll never happen. Not with a Republican president.

bump

[el_texicano]

So, you think the GOP up there has the clout to put "Osama Mamma" Murray out to pasture???

[pollywog]

lousy photo of Bush! He is MUCH better looking than that photo!

[ken5050]

I think it's better than possible...Nethercutt is a good campaigner..and there's always the chance that she'll open her mouth to try and say something...seriously..there's a subliminal message at work in a lot of states like Wash..look, you have a Dem gov, two Dem senators..the GOP controls the WH and the congress...you need a friend in DC...it can be the difference in a close election....

[DumpsterDiver]

Everyone make sure to hold on to your wallets tonight.............

All my money is safe and sound in a lock box I stole from Al Gore.

[Common Tator]

Still haven't figured it out have you?

Successful politicians do not lead. We have never had a successful leader. What we have is politicians who figure out what a majority of the voters want and then give it to them. What we have is successful public servants.

Democrats start with issues that appeal to most of the left and eliminate those that don't appeal to the center. Republicans start with issues that appeal to most of the right and eliminate those that don't appeal to the center.

That is what they run on and that is what they do when elected.

Sometimes stupid politicians try to appeal to just their base. They lose in a massive defeat.

Unless you want what most of the center wants, no elected politician will ever do what you want.

Get a majority of the public for your agenda and it will be done. If you only have minority support for your agenda, forget it.

This nation was constructed to be of the people, for the people and by the people. That only allows for public servants. No public rulers need apply. They will be defeated. They always are.

And if you are looking to a party or a leader to do what you want, when a clear majority does not want it. get a clue. You will spend all the days of your life sobbing to yourself in disappointment city.

[paul544]

What poll is being quoted here? I thought he was at 58%?