Gloves Off As Bush Comes Out Fighting

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 2-24-2004 | Alec Russell

[blam]

Gloves off as Bush comes out fighting

By Alec Russell in Washington
(Filed: 24/02/2004)

President George W Bush effectively launched his campaign for re-election last night, saying that voters faced a stark choice between an America "that leads the world with strength and confidence" or one that is "uncertain in the face of danger".

After a month of falling ratings and heated Democratic attacks, Mr Bush abandoned his recent claims that he was too busy being president to get involved in electoral politics and launched a vigorous counter-attack, portraying the Democrats as weak in fighting terrorism and hell-bent on raising taxes.

In an address to Republican governors he said the November election presented "a choice between keeping the tax relief that is moving this economy forward, or putting the burden of higher taxes back on the American people".

Mr Bush's aides had been hoping to keep him out of the political hurly-burly for as long as possible ahead of the election but many Republicans have been startled by the intensity of recent attacks by the Democrats and felt it was time to answer fire with fire.

His speech at a fund-raising dinner in Washington left little doubt that Mr Bush expected to face the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination, Senator John Kerry, although he stopped short of mentioning him by name.

Pledging to improve the economy and "keep our enemies on the run", he said the Democratic candidates "have not offered much in the way of strategies to win the war, or policies to expand the economy".

But he also pointedly sought to appeal to Americans' traditional penchant for a politician with an optimistic vision. "We hear a lot of old bitterness and partisan anger," he said. "Anger is not an agenda for the future or America."

His address was widely billed as a preview of his stump speech. The decision to go on the attack reflects concerns in the Republican "base" that Mr Bush has been too defensive in recent weeks.

Mr Bush's job approval ratings fell to 51 per cent in a USA Today/CNN poll last week in the wake of a month of intense media coverage of the Democratic presidential contest and amid a niggling controversy over the president's record in the National Guard during the Vietnam War.

One poll gave Mr Kerry a hypothetical lead of up to 12 points over Mr Bush.

In a further sign that the election race is entering a more confrontational phase, Mr Bush's campaign officials are to start spending his vast "war-chest" on television advertisements, a staple of presidential elections, just after "Super Tuesday" next week when the Democrats' nomination may be decided.

Sen Kerry said Mr Bush's appearance on the political battlefield earlier than in many re-election campaigns was a sign of his weakness. "I think George Bush is on the run. And I think he's on the run because he doesn't have a record to run on," he said.

The Republicans are expected to follow the lead of President Bill Clinton who successfully sought to "define" his challenger, Senator Bob Dole, as unelectable in the months leading up to the Republican convention.

[mercy]

The president surprised me. This speech was very Reaganesque and at the same time hit hard at the duplicity of Kerry and the rat party. If The President will keep up the drumbeat sounded in this speech ... he will win by a large margin. Perhaps even a landslide.

This was the best speech I've ever heard from this President. Given without the aid of a telepromter as well.

[Howie66]

"Sen Hanoi John Effn Kerry said Mr Bush's appearance on the political battlefield earlier than in many re-election campaigns was a sign of his weakness. "I think George Bush is on the run. And I think he's on the run because he doesn't have a record to run on," he said."

If I'm not mistaken thought requires the existence of a brain, Hanoi John. Would you care to rephrase that statement?

[FairOpinion]

[FRgal4u]

The speech hit a perfect tone, not botter, but determine and hopeful. The president should get better with practice on the delivery. He is a bit zomber, subdue at the beginning, but the second half was great. I love his quotes from the serviceman and how he will defend this country everytime. This speech could give the dims a real warning shot on what they are against this fall. There is no doubt that this president came to office to get thing done and he had, he need not afraid to talk up his performance.

I love the quote that we need no government to outsource our national security to other foreign governments. LOL

[Always Right]

The president surprised me. This speech was very Reaganesque and at the same time hit hard at the duplicity of Kerry and the rat party.

I didn't see it, but it seems Bush is finally hitting the right chords. Maybe the Bush camp waited for the Dems to show their hand before striking, but he needed to take his gloves off. Hopefully his weak showing on MTP is behind him.

[rocksblues]

nice picture's

[LuigiBasco]

Troll signed up tomorrow? Euroweenie?

[Cboldt]

I've often wondered what those "missing" posts contained.

Nothing.

[atomicpossum]

After a month of falling ratings and heated Democratic attacks, Mr Bush abandoned his recent claims that he was too busy being president to get involved in electoral politics and launched a vigorous counter-attack,

There's your media bias. 'Bush is a liar.'

[BobFromNJ]

Why do not you go back to the hole in the liberal basement you have been trying to get out of!! Not good enousgh-- try again!!

[rocksblues]

And your leader is?

[jonsie]

Well now, it seems Bush has hit a homerun.

[headsonpikes]

Dominion bump.

Nice dam, btw.

[mrfixit514]

Hey Chief Joseph, didn't you promise to fight no more forever?

[livesbygrace]

Sounds like you have our President confused with the one who trashed the office for eight years....
Moby, is that you??

[mercy]

I'm going to dance on your grave while relieving myself. You AND your people and all like you. You are inferior, week, impotent and useless. Get out of MY country you piece of filth.

[atomicpossum]

Your president is a coke-snorting, awol murderer who has more skeletens in his closet and more bodies buried than anyone could possibly believe. He is a dominionist, who is trying to stack the high court with his and Cheney's dominionist buddies. He must be overthrown in the November elections. You people need to wake up and realize what he has done, and what atrocities he is still capable of doing

Didn't you dinks say the same thing about Reagan? This time it will work about as well....

Have a nice day! We're praying for you!

[Cogadh na Sith]

Skeletens?

You're an imbecile.

I'll bet our President thanks the Lord everyday for his enemies.

If idjits like you are against him, I have no choice but to be for him.

You need to wake up and smell the misspelling.

Prez Bush is a fine man and a fine leader. As a fellow member of the National Guard, I'd follow him through hell if he just points the way.