LATimes: Bush Is Set to Strike Back at Democrats

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/2004/la-na-bush7feb07,1,5584396.story?coll=la-home-headlines

President Bush is going on the offensive.

The president has just had one of the worst months of his presidency, with his approval rating skidding below 50% in the Gallup Poll for the first time. His administration is under new scrutiny over its decision to go to war in Iraq. Even his past service in the National Guard has come under attack as a Vietnam War hero leads the Democratic presidential pack.

<snip>

Bush aides have tried to downplay the bad news, pointing out that many reelected presidents started out farther down in polls at the beginning of the election year. And they suggested a drop in the approval rating, which plummeted 11 points in the past month to 49% in a recent CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll, was only natural.

"I thought it was going to happen when a Democratic nominee emerged," said Matthew Dowd, a top Bush campaign strategist. "There has been a coalescence around Kerry quickly. Both sides have strong bases. That's what we anticipated."

But until last week, Bush aides had said they expected the plunge to come somewhat later, in the spring.

[Jack Rabbit]

1. However . . .

. . . the State of the Union address would be enough to give most Presidents a bounce, but not Bush. He just kept diving.

Maybe it's because he isn't really Presideent.

[pinniped]

6. Exactly, POS is an imposter so normal patterns don't apply in this case.

n/t

[moremorfordplz]

2. Credit where credit is due

Say what you will about Dean (he's a bit of a gun nut and not nearly close enough to being a liberal - but then even Kucinich is a bit of a Republican really), but you have to hand it to him: It may have costed him the election in the end, but the fact that he got people dialoguing about the fact that Bush knew about 9/11™ is a huge credit to the man's good name.

This clearly spells disaster for Dubya. After two years of telling people how 'evil' and 'wrong' the WTC™ attacks supposedly were, it's going to really come back to haunt him when people realize just how involved he was in the whole shebang.

Plus the revelations about Dubya basically telling the ANG to go f*** themselves for all the years he was supposed to be showing up to the cushy deal daddy arranged for him ... while Kerry was saving lives every day in Vietnam, it's not the first unjust war Kerry's been right about you know.

Dubya is in for a world of hurt. Let us rejoice, and let us thank Howard Dean, frothing gun nut though he may be.

[Blitz]

16. Kucinich is a bit of a Republican????

In what alternate dimension?

[SquireJons]

25. Don't Get Over Confident

This fight has barley begun, and by this spring, there will be more slime flying than you could possibly imagine. I remember the 1980's clearly. The negative smear campaign worked very well against both Mondale and Dukakus, and in 1984 under very similar political circumstances. So a good foot forward guarantees nothing.

But what a good first step this has been. For two years, Dean has been biting at the administrations heels. Eventually others joined in and now, the perception of shrub as a poor leader has started to sink in. As one of the pundents recently said, "Dean made the other Democratic candidates better." Good job Howard.

But the election, if not the nomination it self, is still in doubt. Much will depend on the enthusiasm in each party. Right now the rebulicans are dispirited and the Democrats are full of vigor. That mind set must continue and translate into voter turnout if we hope to take out the trash. Unfortunately for unemployed little 'ol me, the best thing we have going for our us is the shrub admin's complete ineptitude. They are a dysfunctional unit, cobbled together for political expediency. Cracks are showing already. They may be very good at picking Uncle Sam's pocket, but they haven't a clue of how to actually stimulate the economy. Nor do they know how to diplomatically deal with other nations. So how can you expect a team that was put together to do one thing (let's say, fine tune an expensive Ferrari), to turn around and do the opposite? (take care of the horse).

I've always considered my mother to be a 'canary in the coal mine.' She seems to be one of those people who always goes in the direction that ultimately wins. She voted for Kennedy and Nixon, Carter and Reagan (whom she still loves), Clinton and then W, so she knows no allegiance. Well guess what? She actually called me, her evil, atheist, commie, whatever son for advice in trying to decide who to vote for. She doesn't like Kerry ("too much of a patrician" - and she's right), but she doesn't want to vote for the shrub again. The RNC has it's own canaries out there and they surely know what's happening. They will do what ever they can to turn things around. Plan on it. And let's place our next step carefully and confidently.

[mumon]

31. If they think they're fighting Mondale or Dukakis, I say, "Bring it on!"

I agree about Dean- but in another way: Dean showed that righteous anger sells.

And despite the Nazi press denigrating us, we've got alot to be angry about:

1. Stealing the election.

2. Gerrymandering Fascists.

3. Debt out of control.

4. Export of Jobs

5. Attack on first ammendment rights (Patriot act, "Marriage" and "Faith Based" Welfare giveaways...)

6. Bush/Ashcroft's standing down pursuing bin Laden. Letting bin Laden get away in Tora Bora...

7. Iraq.

I'm gonna make this a thread in G.D., but if they think they can tar Kerry as a Dukakis, all Kerry's gotta do is say:

Are you better off today than you were 4 years ago? Are you safer today than you were 4 years ago? Are you freer today?

[ozone_man]

40. Dean is not a gun nut.

Just believes in state control of specific rules above and beyond the basic national laws. Liberal in the ways that count (civil unions, health care, etc.), conservative in the ways that count (balancing the budget, etc.). But you're absolutely right that Dean started the ball rolling, it's just that others (he who must not be named) have jumped on the bandwagon.

[bluestateguy]

3. Get ready

karl rove's stormtroopers are about to attack. 200 million buys a lot of negative ads. Remember the lessons of Michael Dukakis and Max Cleland.

[jfxgillis]

4. Well, I'd say if there's one politician likely

not to forget what happened to Dukakis, I'd say his Lt. Governor is that guy.

[Guaranteed]

8. The Democrats are asking for it.

Don't say us Dean supporters didn't warn ya.

[bushwakker]

14. You're not a Democrat?

It's Dean or no one huh?

[Voltaire99]

20. Well, you did, but...

...you weren't statistically significant in the end, alas. I wish there had been more of you.

[joeunderdog]

37. Here are responses to my local RW newspaper on GWB. Amazing.

He better strike back hard because right now, he's striking out. 12 respondents said he's vulnerable, 2 not. It was a slaughter.

http://www.ecnnews.com/cgi-bin/s/thestory.pl?slug-sforum07

It's worse for Bush than they are reporting (as usual.) But his gross mismangement and greed have created a backlash the likes of which might turn the tables for some time.

[Catherine Vincent]

5. That's what I'm bracing for.

They wlll use every bit of that 200 million dollars.

[aquart]

12. Oh, I do hope so.

They can brand everyone of us evil as Satan.....but name one thing they can do to make Bush look good.

[ikojo]

28. Watch 60 Minutes tomorrow....they are going to

do a cover story on the Fundamentalist Christian foot soldiers for Bush. Gary Bauer is interviewed.

These people will DO ANYTHING for George W Bush. They see him as divinely placed.

All Bush has to do is be seen praying and invoking the name of Jesus and 9/11 and Osama over and over again. Even those lower middle class Christians will vote for him because the LORD told them to and Bush is a CHRISTIAN.

Kerry will be unable to go after Bush's fake religiosity because it will be seen as anti Christian.

If the pugs can question the patriotism of Max Cleland they are not beyond anything.

[JPace]

34. "Fundamentalist Christian foot soldiers for Bush"

Fundamentalists are not the majority of America...
I think if they get out in public doing and saying
radical things it will be a turnoff to most Americans
and may even drive more to get out and vote against
AWOL.

[pacifictiger]

42. there are genuine spiritual

christians starting to point out the folly of blind fundamentalist positions too.

[Enraged_Ape]

29. Good! I hope the Republicans spend every cent of their $200 million

You can call a steaming, stinking cow turd anything you like. Call it Creme Brulee, even. People will still know it's a steaming, stinking cow turd.

Coca-Cola spent upwards of $50 million to research and market New Coke. Look how well that worked out for them.

[kysrsoze]

36. I'm not worried at all. These supposed geniuses have consistently

whittled away at their own credibility. They leave huge holes in their arguments/positions to be attacked. Fewer people believe their B.S. each day. I can't wait to see them fall completely apart.

[grasswire]

7. bring it on...

...just bring it on.

They've jumped the shark. Nothing they can do will rehabilitate Bush now.

[Cooley Hurd]

23. You're the third person I've heard that's used the term...

..."jumped the shark" in reference to Shrub.

It's almost like he's hired Cousin Oliver to be his PR person... :D

[tabasco]

26. I think you are right.

The more the boy prince "goes on the offensive", the more he will be exposed as a spineless cretin. Whoever the nominee is must fight back just as dirty as the repugs.

[grasswire]

9. this is stupid

"It was sooner than they expected and more intense," said Larry Sabato, director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. "Just because you see bad luck coming, doesn't mean the bad luck stings any less."

Sabato, you nitwit. This wasn't bad luck for Bush. It was the appropriate citizen response to incompetence and malfeasance.

[fizzana]

10. More and more Americans are realizing that everything about

the Bush administration is a con game. They lie about everything and take responsibility for nothing.

The GOP core will never change but more and more people are realizing that Bush is a big time weasel. Americans can be suckered quite easily at times, and the were by Bush but they're also smart enough to see a con. WMD's, Medicaid, jobs - you name it and he he's failed and when he fails he always points the finger in someone elses direction.

Americans are seeing through this and they're not impressed. Polls go up and down but I don't think the polls even closely reflect the disaffection in America.

All it will take is 3% more Democrats coming out to vote because they're pissed and 3% less Republicans coming out to vote because they're pissed and Bush gets swamped. $200 million is crap when people's minds are made up. Bring it on.

[AndyTiedye]

38. We Need The Biggest Landslide Ever (or Bush* "Wins" Again)

> Polls go up and down but I don't think the polls even closely reflect the disaffection in America.

Neither will the ones in November, thanks to BBV.

> All it will take is 3% more Democrats coming out to vote because
> they're pissed and 3% less Republicans coming out to vote because
> they're pissed and Bush gets swamped.

We need a lot more than that. We have to get TWICE as many votes
as Bush* gets, because half of ours won't be counted.

[maggrwaggr]

11. Chimpy the Chickenhawk wants to fight, does he?

BWAH HA HA HA HA HA HAHAHHAHAHAAA!!!!

Don't break a fingernail, chickenhawk!

[aquart]

13. Can't wait for the leadership he shows on MTP.

Oh, it will be a manly display, yes, it will.

I think I'm gonna tape it.

[alittlelark]

15. I'm gonna use up some of that war chest!!!!!!

Putting my name on every re-elect bush site that wants to mail me something -fake phone#though (adds up!!) When they give you a 'no postage due' envelope send it back filled w/ junk mail and pennies - extra weight!!

[saigon68]

24. BRILLIANT IDEA

N/t

[ozymandius]

27. even better

Mail 'em a brick. Wrap it up; put that postage paid envelope on top and send it in.

[fearnobush]

17. Get 10 million angry Dem's to donate $25 and our nominee

gets $250 million to match those corporate fuc*ks who put Chimpy and Limpy in the Whitehouse. $250 million can make a lot of media exec's real happy to promote the truth behind our anger. Chimpy and Limpy must be stopped, period.

[Voltaire99]

19. Nope

So: throw money at the media, and they'll be more Democratic?

Which media outlets would that be? The ones run by politically neutral owners who are just waiting for $250 million to tell "the truth"?

Take a look at Chomsky's "Manufacturing Consent." $250 million is peanuts to these people. They're happy to join the pretense of a fair election every four years because it generates billions in revenue for them; but that is the extent to which they'll play along. Political ads don't buy you favorable political coverage.

[Voltaire99]

18. Tim Russert to ask Bush "tough questions"

The aide to the president was expecting tough questioning from host Tim Russert. Bush "doesn't mind those interviews and conversations," the aide said. "He's actually been looking forward to it."

Sure, sure. He isn't known as Tim "Killer Chipmunk" Russert for nuthin'!

Russert: Mr. President, this is a tough period for America, but you're up to the challenge, aren't you?

Bush: I'm glad you asked me that tough question, Tim! I don't mind!

[xxqqqzme]

21. Is that a real honest 2 god aide

quote? I had a good laugh over that one. Looking forward 2 it - right cuz timmy's research assistant sent the crib sheet over earlier.

[macedc]

33. No Questions

Bush and his people never work with out a script. There is no way he would do this without prior access to the questions and a quarantee that there wikll be no suprises.

[BeatleBoot]

22. I hope no one thinks

that this race isn't going to tighten up.

Buckle up folks, its going to be a rollercoaster ride!

[0007]

30. Watch this schmuck spin it Sunday

I hope junior is loaded with the truth and nothing but the truth on Sunday.

Because of junior's tract record, I expect him to bail out faster than his old man did over the skies of Chichi Jimi on September 2, 1944.

Poopy & junior are both cowards, way ahead of their class, they are!

[K8-EEE]

43. From The Looks Of It...He's Been Loaded Lately...

but not with the truth. I'm convinced the Prez is drinking! Or SOMETHING! He def looked like he was coming off a bender yesterday.

[macedc]

32. Its the Economy (Jobs) Stupid

Most people are simply tyrying to get buy and put up with anything as long as their pockets are full. Those who routinely do not have and never had full pockets don't vote for the most part anyway. Its all going to depend on the economy and whether enough new jobs can be created by election time.

Right now its looking increasingly bad for G (can't find no stinking) W(ork Bush on that front and thats why his poll numbers are dropping. An increasing number of people are out of work and can't find anything except Burger King or whatnot.

[tinrobot]

35. Don't forget, we won in 2000

Al Gore won the election in 2000 and had a half million more votes. This was with a fat and lazy population. People are out of work and things are worse than before. They are motivated to change.

If everyone who voted democrat last time votes again...

Plus one vote for each person who's lost their job under Bush*...

We win in a landslide.

It's our election to lose.

[loudsue]

39. Nope. It's the voting machine computer programmer's election

to win. For those who haven't noticed, the past 3 elections (including the gropenator) have been sorta....weird. They're even finding problems in the Dem primaries. We have a LONG, HARD battle to fight if we're going to have an honest election.

www.blackboxvoting.org

www.votescam.com

Read 'em and weap.

:kick:

[scarface2004]

41. bring it on

bitch!!!!!!!!!!!

[pacifictiger]

44. I think a big factor that hasn't been in play before

is that, while a large part of of Bush's $$$ will buy slick TV ads and enhance the media coffers, many people are wising up as never before that TV promo ads and news are rigged. The other thing is the internet news availability in competition with TV news. And with so many people out of work, they have more time to devote to searching out other sources of news and communication. Dean's campaign is a great example of internet generated support in spite of media slamming. If it were not for the internet he would be out and finished already. But, he keeps popping up in spite of the media.

[rocktivity]

45. Strike back? With what?

...Republican Party Chairman Ed Gillespie...gave a preview of how he intends to discredit Kerry.

"I believe what they're up to is making up false charges, and what would be slander under other circumstances," Gillespie said...
If they're false, PROVE IT! Don't whine and moralize--show us the evidence that they're false!

The goal of Democrats, he said, is to distract attention from Kerry's "record of voting to weaken our national security"...includ(ing) votes against the 1991 Gulf War...
Eddie, Eddie, Eddie--the 1991 Gulf War? Are you SURE you want to go back there?


...and cutting $1.5 billion from intelligence.
While Bush is trying to cut soliders' combat pay, housing, and medical assistance? You'd better rethink that, too.

Oh, and one other thing:
AAAAAA-WOLLLLLL!


rocknation