Peggy Noonan: An Eight-Month Run

Opinion Journal ^ | 03/11/04 | Peggy Noonan

[Pokey78]

Starring John Kerry in "Airplane" and George W. Bush in "The Happy Warrior."

In a patriotic attempt to help make the next eight months more interesting and fun, some practical advice for both presidential contenders.

First John Kerry.

The Democrats this year are proving themselves bold and tough. Mr. Kerry this week has been audacious--going into Florida and warning that Republicans mean to steal it, challenging President Bush on national security when national security is Mr. Kerry's famous weak spot. Why would he draw attention to his own weakness? To confuse things, to make them seem in play. That he isn't hiding from his weak spot but highlighting it will convince some people it's probably not a weak spot. This is good stuff.

[Pokey78]

Peggy ping!

[moodyskeptic]

Peg nails it. Her culture war instincts are highly tuned.

RNC: heed this woman.

[baseballmom]

And then I had it. Captain Rex Kramer in "Airplane," played by Robert Stack

ROFLOL - she is exactly right.

[A Citizen Reporter]

"Guys: wake up. There's a battle outside."

Yes Peggy, that is exactly what I thought as I read your column about the President's interview on MTP. Sorry, but this is a bit hypocritical.

[irv]

It wouldn't hurt if the new speechwriter ever had to sell anything for a living, even for a few months. And it would be nice if America weren't one big abstraction to him, but someplace real where he's actually lived.

So she thinks Kerry's new speech-writer should be a Republican?

[FRgal4u]

Excllent column, Fully agree on the wit, college campus part. There is a misconception that the younger voters tend to favor the dims on social issues, but 9/11 changes that. Kerry's deathkneel will be his style on the stump, I have his looooooong drawwwwwwwwn out tone of voice, it maybe fine for the first 4 weeks, but man, eight months of that naggig tone, most Americans will say, ok enough is enough. Do I really want this guy in living room for the next four years...hmmm...wit, folksy vs constant pessimistic nagger...the choice is clear...

[mylife]

"I used to do Elvis . . ." Raspy, pacing back and forth. He reminded me of someone, but I couldn't place it. The blank intensity, the conviction that what's on his mind is important, though he can't quite remember why . . . And then I had it. Captain Rex Kramer in "Airplane," played by Robert Stack.

Wh00p!! Peggy Nailed it...so pompous so staged

[JohnHuang2]

Peggy Noonan MEGA PING!!

[ladyinred]

I am a great Peggy fan, but this one bothers me a little bit. I am not so inclined to want to help Kerry with his campaign, and I am not sure why Peggy seems to be doing that.

[txzman]

"And then I had it. Captain Rex Kramer in "Airplane"

ROFL! That's it!

[lainde]

bump and thanks! I do like her suggestion to make Kerry look silly. I think he should push the "confused Kerry" angle too.

[mylife]

Don't make the country mad at John Kerry, make them laugh at John Kerry. And use wit not only for wit's sake but to make political and philosophical points.

Shes on the mark here. If any one can do it it GW. Take a lesson from Dutch.

[nopardons]

Yes, it is, not to mention wiswhy washy,uninspired goo.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[Betaille]

"Don't make the country mad at John Kerry, make them laugh at John Kerry"
This is the only part where I disagree with her. We have alot to be angry at Kerry over. Liberal snobs like him are what made me a conservative... 2 years and counting...

[secret garden]

bump for a later read

[gortklattu]

Ping to Peggy.... I LOVE that woman.... I'll be Klattu for her, not Gort....

[sultan88]

Peggy nails it again!

[Rocky]

Love the Robert Stack bit. Classic. A perfect fit.