Wishful thinking -- Let the dust settle before making Pakistan a campaign issue

[Armstead]

I realize this is unrealistic but...

It would sure as hell be preferable if everyone -- on the MSM and here among us common folk -- not to start using the assassination in Pakistan as a campaign issue until it has had time to sink in.

On MSM (and here) it's already being discussed in terms of which candidate it will "benefit' and which it will hurt. The stage is set, for example, for a comeback for Rudy because of it.

It would be great if we the public would not react in a knee jerk way to this. Despite its' immediacy and awfulness, it needs time to be digested, and some context gained as to the larger implications, both in real terms and in political terms.

We should have learned from 9-11 that it is dumb and counterproductive to react shallowly and ascribe political benefit to anyone after a disaster. Back then, Bush was hailed in the aftermath, and he was given the benefit of the doubt and allowed to assume power and use 9-11 to ram through completely unrelated parts of his agenda. That kind of thinking gave us the Iraq War, among other goodies.

The assassination in Pakistan does make the world somewhat more dangerous. But we should remember that the fundamental dangers and the issues and requirements for leadership have not changed in domestic politics because of this one event, horrible and potentially scary as it may be.

[acmavm]

1. Oh let 'em yelp. There's been two candidates so far that want to

make points off her death. That's Biden and Rudy.

Couldn't even wait til the body cooled off.

[rucky]

7. Have you read Biden's statement?

check it out:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x3892527

[Viva_La_Revolution]

2. The AP had a story up within 2 hours that said it was throwing the campaigns into turmoil.

:eyes:

[Armstead]

4. If campaigns are in turmoil, it doesn;t say much good about them

The first rule in politics ought to be expected the unexpected, and be prepared for it.

[JohnnyLib2]

3. Thank you, Armstead.

Wishful thinking, though it is. Using this dreadful event as a big old inkblot test for a lot of rhetoric is just so... hollow.

:hi:

[jillan]

5. This event could send Pakistan into turmoil -

this is not about Politics. This is about a country with weak leadership and nukes.

[asdjrocky]

6. Very good point Armstead-

I was thinking the same thing. On MSM, just so far this evening, I've see Mittens denouncing terrorism, I've heard Dodd being interviewed, Biden has a news conference, and my favorite, Rudy, the terrorism expert, was interviewed. Oh look, now it's McCain making hay.

The right wings wet dream.

[whirlygigspin]

8. all bets are off

please re-arrange the deck chairs on campaign 2008

*now the republicans will go full tilt back to the security issue

al quaeda , terror terror terror

their favorite song

[sandnsea]

9. I agree, it is too easy to be taken in by spin

If people seriously care about peace and security, it is a time to step back and be honest and objective about these events. Don't trust anybody. Look for fear mongering verses clarity and courage.

[Stop Cornyn]

10. It is ugly to watch some campaign treat this tragedy as a "good news cycle" for a long shot campaign