What conservatives and republicans always seem to forget is they see the world from their own prejudices and preferences. Yes, Kerry does have some very soft spots. But then too, so does President Bush. Are we better off than we were 4 years ago? In general no. Is it the President's fault? In general, most isn't.
Our virtually jobless recovery, largely due to a combination of outsourcing and the continued dow meltdown would have taken place no mater what. 9/11, while a factor has largely been moved on in the minds of many American's. You live where you can read the Dispatch. Have you read today's article at the bottom of page 1 discussing jobs? Central Ohio, largely immune from swings in employment has lost I believe 9,000 jobs between this January and January 2003. That's depressing. I read a report yesterday that said the upswing in net national jobs was largely due to government employment, not private sector which remained flat. Kerry may be soft on issues. The President will be judged in many cases on the pocketbooks and wallets of average folks.
There was vast support in the war on terrorism in general and the Iraq war in particular. Many people felt the invasion was a completion of unfinished business from 1991. There was strong emphasis placed on WMD's, links to Al Qeuda or other terror groups that threaten us, and the fact that we would not be the policemen of Iraq once liberated. Yet this morning in our paper we read that the extreme religous leaders in Iraq killed an opportunity to begin a constitution signing in the country. It may be a temporary setback as implied by the paper. But then again, it could be representative of a much more dangerous process than was sold.
And everyday there is a report of terror or death of our brave soldiers, the strength of President Bush trickles away. Republican's may see the longer goal. The average Joe doesn't. The tide is turning.< p>Incumbency is very powerful. And the President has that on his side. But he is weak. He has thumbed his nose at his conservative base, yet is now seen by liberals and conservatives alike as pandering to this constituency. Our national debt has grown again. Sure some of it is security and war. Much was the approval of pork from the republican congress. Remember, the president has yet to withhold his pen from a spending bill.
His words after the supremes ruling in the Michigan racial preference case was not endearing to the core. His abondonment of some judicial nominees has also left his base realing.
I was listening to the christian talk station in this area last Saturday. One of the topics was "are conservatives hurting President Bush?" The guest was a book author. Yet like the supporters of Bill Clinton during impeachment, he was using any of the same rationalizations for supporting his man. And most of the callers were angry.
Kerry isn't the most inspiring speaker. but then again, neither is the President. The debates will be dull, like watching Bob Dole against Bob Dole. But Kerry isn't Al Gore. He's better, much better. And the debates is what did Gore in.
Yes this is still President Bush's to lose. But he is not coming from a position of strength. And just before Iowa, Kerry was largely written off. He prevailed. He came from nowhere to dominate. Don't underestimate him. And don't underestimate the man or woman voter who isn't an ideaologue republican or democrat.
This is indeed a very difficult time for our President and he is in for the run for his life.