How much of a difference will it make for Bush if...

[coloradodem2005]

...Osama is caught before the election? It could make a huge difference.


On the other hand, people may want to move on from 9/11 and care more about their jobs and their future than anything.

[mlawson]

1. Depends a lot upon when it happens.

If it is going to happen, let's have it now, and get his bounce over with. Two really bad times: 1) during our convention, and 2) just before the general election.

[leyton]

2. Not a big bump.

Someone on here (in another thread) showed the boosts he got from 9/11, the war, and catching Hussein. Each one got successively smaller.

And I think the moving on from 9/11 is important. For one thing, catching Osama bin Laden will kind of put an end to the whole thing, some closure, so to speak, and it won't be as big an issue (although it's really not anymore anyway). And I don't think there's much to be done with his capture; we haven't seen Saddam since he was captured. Bin Laden won't exactly be paraded in the streets, I don't think.

[seabeyond]

3. dont think much

and i hope the democrats say good. that is done. as it should be. no more no less. was the job. should be expected. and valued. doesnt mean vote for bush in white house, his tush wasnt out there huntin

[distortionmarshall]

4. i think game's over if bush gets bin laden.....

if that happens, he'll simply pull the old "i get results" line, and he'd be correct enough in saying this that the public wouldn't notice....

it'll be a landslide if he gets bin laden - tho it'd be more helpful to get him in october, rather than now....

[Crunchy Frog]

5. I think that it probably is going to happen,

and at the most politically expedient moment for the repugs. I may be wrong, but that's what I predict.

I think that whoever the Democratic nominee is, he should be well prepared in advance for this to happen, and should not be taken by surprise by it. They should have contingency plans already in place to deal with the political fallout.