[Imal]

The election is a very long way off.

Clarke's time in the spotlight will be ending soon enough, but the topic of who did what against terrorism will remain, and the facts overwhelmingly support Bush and irrevocably condemn Clinton.

The Democrats' Pandora's Box has been opened.

With all the hype surrounding Clarke and his unprecedented publicity, no Democrat can reasonably claim that Bush would be "distasteful" to respond, and respond he will with verifiable facts all the way up to Election Day.

This also opens the door wide to a detailed accounting of what Clinton did or did not do to prevent 9-11. It may even lead to new public examination of the recession Bush inherited when he took office, as well as the dubious stable of Clinton holdovers, who now appear to be little more than whipping-boys in waiting.

The net result of all this hubbub is a major victory for the Bush campaign, turning public interest toward terrorism. With such a foothold -- and others to come -- the Bush campaign can keep terrorism in the public eye all the way to the finish line.

To be sure, those who hate Bush will believe anything negative they hear, but they will never vote for him anyway. This is a play for the undecided voters, and there are more than enough of those.

But, despite pervasive media mendacity, those who are not sure will see lies from the left and facts from the right, and that will not work to Kerry's favor.

Frankly, it's a little too pat for my palate, but that's politics.

[WarrenC]

The net result of all this hubbub is a major victory for the Bush campaign, turning public interest toward terrorism.

Exactly so. And regarding the NY Times line...could that paper's free-fall from credibilty and respect be any more accelerated?

[txhurl]

it's a little too pat for my palate,

fly ----> spider bump.