Posted on 10/30/2004 1:45:28 AM PDT by The Loan Arranger
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Osama bin Laden's sudden reappearance on videotape sent President Bush and Democrat John Kerry into a sharp final round of argument over which one can defeat terrorism and make Americans safe, the transcendent questions of the campaign.
The presidential candidates responded with reflexive gestures of unity to the sight of America's deadly foe on video, but those were swallowed up in the lunge for advantage in the campaign's closing days.
Kerry declared, "I can run a more effective war on terror" and revived his charges that Bush was responsible for letting bin Laden slip away. The president, speaking to thousands in Columbus on Friday night, shot back: "My opponent continues to say things he knows are not true." He said, "It's especially shameful in light of the new tape from America's enemy."
(Excerpt) Read more at apnews1.iwon.com ...
I know why Osama released this video. He has to quell a division in his organization. There's a power struggle and he needed this video out to thumb his nose at Bush, in order to try and solidify his base.
Osama is dead if he can't convince whoever is harboring him that he still retains control of Al Qaeda. Without Al Qaeda, Osama is useless... even as a figure head he'd be useless.
If Bush wins, Osama is screwed, and very likely he'll be handed over to us or silently killed. If Kerry wins, Osama wins and we'll probably see quick and rapid cleaning house in Al Qaeda of a few top leaders who thought they could take over with Osama out of the way.
This is a diabolical game of realpolitik and Osama is in trouble. He only has the card of fear to play, and he's got one hell of a bluffing face.
Plus if Kerry loses, it clears the decks for Hillary in '08.
Good points.
BUMP!
Do you think the video released by the Californi-jihadi poofter two days earlier forced his hand?
Very likely. Are we seeing the struggle within the Empire of Jihad playing out in primetime TeeVee?? Hollywood must be jealous, how can they compete with this?
"This is going to give the president a 3-5 point boost by Monday"
Maybe- maybe not- but the fact that three years ago Bush said he wanted OBL dead or alive will be picked up by Kerry and hammered home by his minions and in tv ads.
OBL dead would have been more preferable...I think his tv appearence will have an unstable effect on the electorate.
I wouldn't be surprised if whoever has OBL kills him. Right now he's a leader. He'd be so much more effective as a marytyr.
I shudder at the thought.
Kerry belongs on Gilligans Island.......
Two points:
1: G.W.B. continues his use of "my opponent" instead of speaking his name. It's a brilliant strategy of subliminal non-recogonition.
2: A lesson to us all on how to call someone a liar without saying the word.
OBL again misjudges the American People.He thought 9/11 would scare us.He was dead wrong.He thinks he will scare us before election day.He is wrong again.He just might have provided the impetus for the George Bush landside.
Bin Laden gave a present to the Bush campaign.
You're right. Middle Eastern leaders who acted on the "death" of Osama, are the ones quaking now. Wanna be competing terrorist leaders are also on the potential chopping block.
If Kerry wins the shift to Osama will be quick, undoable, and complete. Extreme actions will be used to show loyalty. The shift quickens movement to the new perceived winning side. Consolidation of true believes will be brutal. After consolidation, the changes will be permanent.
Knowing the way the wind blows in totalitarian societies, is a survival requirement. Traditions of "it's meant to be" come out of this harsh environment -- reinforcing the messianic qualities of the twisted messenger.
Unlike the SPANISH in their elections , for OSAMA ( THE EAGLE HAS LANDED ) on your head OSAMA.
You're right SkyPilot.After seeing that video yesterday, there is no way the American public is going to change presidents with Osama still alive.You don't change quarterbacks in the middle of a play.
Thanks for pointing this out. Our President is a great man and American.
Thanks for the postive words. No doom and gloom here.
Very good analyses from both of you.
I'm too superstitious to say anything more. If you know what I mean! Regards!
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