How Low Will Bush Go? President's Scare Tactics Demean Politics and Voters (BARRRFFFF!!!!)

Washington Post ^ | Eugene Robinson

[Chi-townChief]

If Democrats manage to take control of one or both houses of Congress on Tuesday, the reason will be that voters were not adequately roused into a state of heart-pounding, knee-knocking, teeth-chattering fear.

---

I've pointed out in earlier columns the difference between a leader who faces troubled times with a message of bravery and optimism -- Franklin D. Roosevelt's stirring words about the Great Depression, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself," constitute perhaps the best example -- and a leader such as Bush who encourages people to be afraid because their fear is advantageous to him politically.

mailto:eugenerobinson@washpost.com

[Chi-townChief]

Of course, this clown Robinson and his boys in congress would have called FDR a "chickenhawk."

[james500]

Fearmongering? Like running commercials that say we're less safe now than we were before 911?

[avacado]

"If Democrats manage to take control of one or both houses of Congress..."

They won't take either one. So the rest of your wet dream is just a puff piece to flatter yourself.

[LibLieSlayer]

weasely clarke's ad has been destroyed by the Nuke Document story that is proof that saddam had a robust Nuke Program that had ALL of the technology needed to make the bomb.

LLS

[Hendrix]

I can honestly say that I am scared that if the democrats win they will raise my taxes (and I am not rich) and make us more vulnerable to terrorism. I am being 100% honest when I say this and I was scared of this long before any campaign ever got underway.

[Hendrix]

By the way, I think I have very solid information to be scared.

[johna61]

Another Jackson/Sharpton/Ford/Obama DEmonRat Hack.

[technomage]

and a leader such as Bush who encourages people to be afraid because their fear is advantageous to him politically.

Well actually I am very fearful of Dims taking over Congress. That would put our country at great risk.

But, is it not interesting that this intellectual midget does not see (or mention) the constant Dim drumbeat of fear for nearly 6 years.

Remember:

"The worst economy in 50 years". Turns out it has been one of the best economies in history.

"If you vote Republican, medical research will suffer". That is what is implied by the Michael J Faux ads.

"Our country is much less safe now than it was before 9/11". I guess that is why we have had so many terrorist attacks in the USA and on US Embassies worldwide over the past 5 years.

"If we crack down on illegals, our economy will collapse". Well, we have started a very small crackdown, tiny actually, but the economy seems to keep moving along.

"We don't have enough flu shots!" Turns out we had more than enough.

"Global warming caused by man is real and we are all going to die". There is no definitive science proving this, yet the doomsday party ignores this.

"The Republicans want the power to lock you up with no court oversite and throw away the key, all in the name of security". Yeah, that sure is happening!!

"Freedom of the press has been muzzled under George W. Bush". Tell that to the NY Slimes, to al-CNN (the Collaborators News Network), to MSNBCCBSABCPBSLASLIMESWASHINGTONTOASTATLANTAURINALCONSTIPATIONSANFRANCISCOPERVERTSCHRONICLE.

Bush is telling it like it is based on what Dims have said themselves, based on facts like their voting record. The Dims are much worse at fear mongering, at using the handicapped and those with medical conditions to cast fear across the land. All they do is tell us the sky is falling.

I sure hope libs continue to live in this fantasy land they call their brains.

[Mr_Moonlight]

This little ditty from WoPo is just a mere CYA for the Kerry fallout .. they want to change the subject as it were, as expected

/shrug

[JimSEA]

Those in the MSM like Robinson are getting concerned that the Democrats might not actually capture Congress. After all, they already have a great deal of time and money invested in anticipation of covering the impeachment hearings they have planned along with their representatives. Even Fox, at least Shepard Smith, seems to be salivating for a Democratic sweep so they can cover Impeachment 24/7.

[NaughtiusMaximus]

Note to DU lurkers:

A highly placed source has informed us that, with Democrat control of the House and Senate now in the bag, trucks from the Government will begin delivering the Free Stuff it owes you early Tuesday morning. You must be at home to get your Free Stuff. Because of the large number of deliveries and the small number of drivers, it will probably be a long time before they can deliver to your neighborhood again. Don't leave home Tuesday until you get your Free Government Stuff! Don't listen to the neighbors if they 'dis you about this . . . they probably think you're stoopid and plan to rip you off.

[AmusedBystander]

I hope he goes as low as Dems have throughout his time in the White House. That about gives him carte blanche.

[okie01]

The Karl Rove formula for political victory has been to draw a bright line between "us" and "them" and then paint those on the other side not as opponents but as monsters.

Could it be, Mr. Robinson, because you and your ilk are monsters?

Creepy, crawly, slimey monsters who harbor an insane hatred for this country and all it stands for.

God help us if the liberals ever come to power again.

[okie01]

I can honestly say that I am scared that if the democrats win they will raise my taxes (and I am not rich) and make us more vulnerable to terrorism. I am being 100% honest when I say this and I was scared of this long before any campaign ever got underway.

And your fears are perfectly justified.

They WILL raise your taxes.

And they WOULD enter into "serious diplomatic talks" with the terrorists...until a nuclear device went off in downtown Chicago.

After which they WOULD demand you judge their good intentions, rather than their results.