FBI's Mueller Warns of Election-time Terrorist Plots

Jihad Watch ^ | March 26, 2K4 | Associated Press

[rdb3]

March 26, 2004

FBI's Mueller Warns of Election-time Terrorist Plots

The Economist gives the terrorists a guide to which countries to target next

As is well known, the Madrid bombings and their aftermath have taught the terrorists that terrorism works. Expect more of it. From AP, with thanks to Mrs. Obelix and DC Watson:

The deadly train bombings in Spain and the impact they had on Spanish elections are increasing concern that terrorists might target the U.S. presidential nominating conventions and the Olympics to make an even bolder statement, FBI Director Robert Mueller says.

"We understand that between now and the election, there is a window of time in which terrorists may well wish to influence events, whether it's in the United States or overseas," Mueller said in an interview with The Associated Press.

He also said Islamic extremists are changing tactics to focus on recruitment of local sympathizers less likely to arouse suspicion than outsiders. And terrorist groups may well move away from fortified targets, such as airports and government buildings, he said Thursday.

"I do believe that when we enhance our security, harden targets, terrorists look for other targets that are soft targets," Mueller said. When new security measures are taken, he said, "the terrorists are thinking about ways to circumvent them."

The March 11 train bombings in Madrid that killed 190 people were a factor in the ouster of Spain's government. That has added to uneasiness about the U.S. political conventions in New York and Boston this summer.

"In the wake of what happened in Madrid, we have to be concerned about the possibility of terrorists attempting to influence elections in the United States by committing a terrorist act," Mueller said. "Quite clearly, there will be substantial preparations for each of the conventions."

[rdb3]

Strap 'em on tight. We may be in for quite a journey this year.

Show 'em my motto!

[NautiNurse]

I'll be traveling to Europe just prior to the election. This concern has been on my mind since 3-11.

[Dallas59]

If something does happen and the vote swings to Kerry....Democrats will forever be labeled as "Terrorists".

Mr Kerry will have "won" thru terrorists actions.

[endthematrix]

He already has the vote of countless terrorist sympathizers and abettors.

[Ingtar]

Some of the terrorists are the political opposition.

I fear, if the race is close, another turncoat on the Sunday before the election. It will be someone that will release a story on Bush that hurts turnout. There will be no time to counter it. It will be no more true than Clarke's.

[Salamander]

If terrorists and their "sympathizers" are so hot for Kerry to win, *why* doesn't this cause all sorts of alarm bells to go off in the heads of Americans?

Is half of America really that stupid or does half of America secretly wish to be destroyed?
[worse yet, do they believe that only "conservatives" will suffer at the hands of whomever they appease?]

Would Democrats knowingly doom us all -just- to regain power?

[rogueleader]

In an unrelated story, Robert Mueller is not a blithering idiot.

[Cvengr]

Democratic Socialism will appeal to terrorism as a brownshirt ally.

[endthematrix]

Actually, way more than half in the US are that stupid. Some vote for Bush because his name reminds them of beer. It's just that a smart and motivated minority pulls the rest along. Luckily, I deal with idiots on an infrequent basis. When I do, it takes ENORMOUS will power not to break something. That's why it is refreshing to know there are some intelligent life with common sense that add to discourse on FR.

[neutrino]

Is half of America really that stupid or does half of America secretly wish to be destroyed?

Well...yes on both counts. There are a lot of liberals that subscribe to the hate-America philosophy. There are lots of people who believe they can run away from the problem and the terrorists won't hurt them. They don't realize that we're in a war for our survival - and that failure will be more painful than they can imagine.

[Salamander]

I had a van with Ohio plates pass me on the highway a couple of days ago.
It sported two bumperstickers.
One said "Regime change? Yes, -here-!" and the other said "I am a Terra-ist".

So many unpleasant thoughts ran through my mind.

[Terry Mross]

Half of America is either stupid or hates America. Here's a conversation I could have with my sister:

Me: Why do you vote Democrat?

Sister: Because they believe what I believe.

Me: And what do they believe?

Sister: The same thing I believe.

Me: And what do you believe?

Sister: I told you, the same thing they believe.

Me: And what is their platform?

Sister: I'm not sure but it's what I believe.

Me: Do you believe in the democrats?

Sister: Yes.

Me: Why?

Sister: Because I'm a Democrat.

Me: Why are you a democrat?

Sister: Because they believe in what I believe.


I've actually had that conversation with her, almost verbatim. But if you actually sit down and talk real issues you'd swear she's a Republican. Again, it's mostly stupid people who make up the democrat base.

[Salamander]

I really think that *they* believe they'll be "left alone" if only they passively accomodate whomever "takes over".

It's almost like the kids who follow around the schoolyard bully, hoping they'll be seen as "friends" or "supporters" in hopes of avoiding the bully's inevitable wrath.

[Salamander]

Well, evidently you're my long-lost brother because that is *my* sister.....:))

[unbiasedtruth]

The safest place to be this summer is at the Democrat convention. No terrorist in his right mind would target this site. Hell, most of their American supporters will be there.

[Las Vegas Dave]

Make sure you send in your absentee ballot!

[1903A3]

Today Democrat Party IS a terrorist organization
Any attack against us will be part of the " We bomb for Kerry " campaign
And this must be systematically explained to every voters

[raloxk]

eventually we are headed for a civil war in this country.

[Vinnie]

But if you actually sit down and talk real issues you'd swear she's a Republican. Again, it's mostly stupid people who make up the democrat base.

I swear, I could have written this exact line about my niece. She is a college grad, in the legal profession and bright, except for politics.
Don't know about your sister, but my niece is burning with hatred for Pres. Bush.

[1903A3]

I am afraid that you are right. The only way to avoid that is by systematically voting Leftist out of office
Small chance but there is nothing else