Right. To add on to what you said I think there is a calculated dem strategy to influence public perception of the President. These hit and run tactics are propaganda techniques to influence the mushy people in the middle (who don't follow the details) but keep seeing all this smoke and to also stay on the offensive with anything and make the Republicans respond to THEIR tactics.
I think the Republicans would be better off playing offense. Bush should have long ago moved on to domestic issues and acted as if this Iraq deal was in steady-state mode now that they have a Consititution and a government. In other words we have already won Iraq, it's a success and we are now in the steady-state aftermath phase. The casualties we are seeing, suicide bombers in Iraq, etc is just the normal course of doing business over there in rebuilding an Arab country. It's a difficult line to walk because we also need to continue to garner support that we still need to stay over there and it's not over yet. Clinton would have known how to walk that fine line. (I wonder if Rove could hire Clinton as a consultant?). As it is the success part of the message has become lost.
Bush needs to get on offense and stay there. And the Republicans in Congress should be doing the same.
Thanks for your input. I'll respond tomorrow. Right now I have things to do.
All the best,
bcsco
In response to your post #29 to me yesterday...
I don't believe there's any doubt the Dim strategy has been to negatively influence public opinion against the president. That hasn't been only the Dim strategy but that of the MSM as well.
While I agree the administration and Congress both have spent far too much time on defense, it's not an either/or situation. Yes, the GOP should have spent far more capital offensively, however one has to respond to certain negative press at times.
What's really hurt, I believe, is the abysmal reaction to such events as Katrina, the Supreme Court nominations, the ports issue, and possibly most of all, the economy. The administration has not had an effective public relations agenda.
Now we're coming to mid-term elections and everyone is looking over their shoulders. Sheeesh!