Conservative Myths, Hubris, Timidity & Stupidity Are Threatening America

5/28/04 | Williams

[Williams]

Yes, I said it. Threatening America. The upcoming election isn't about George Bush, It's about the security of this nation. When we do a bad job of advancing an agenda that is needed to protect this nation, we leave America vulnerable to mistaken policies that threaten us all. I've been listening to conservative conventional wisdom for months. It isn't working, and it is full of dangerous misconceptions. Here is a sample of the myths conservatives are relying upon to preserve this Nation.

1 That the democrats are desperate, John Kerry is an awful candidate, etc. Yes he is, but no they are not. Unfortunately, John Kerry is slowly repositioning himself as a moderate, even a foreign policy conservative in many American's eyes. Kerry is being allowed to redefine himself. The reality is that Gore, another pathetic figure, got MORE of the popular vote last time. Demographics, including millions of new immigrants are sadly tipping scales for the democrats.

2 Bush is doing good because after a "terrible two months" he is only down by a few. have we lost all sense? The economy is booming, Iraq is being won, and EVERY conservative commentator is repeating the message that it's been an "awful" two months for the President. Do you think that makes anyone want to vote for him? Then we thump our chests and say "but look he's only down by ... he must be really strong!" What are we smoking? You are not strong by having "bad" months and declining in the polls. And saying so means people should vote for Bush why?

3 Kerry embarrasses himself by constantly touting his Vietnam service. No he does not. Kerry is insulating himself from his liberal record by constantly telling Amerixcans he is a war time veteran who cares most about the troops. Because Republicans refuse to say that Kerry betrayed the troops after Vietnam, that his votes exposed the troops to danger, etc., he is left free to create the impression that he is a distinguished veteran who would never jeapordize national security.

4 Talk of a Kerry/McCain ticket is a sign of desperation. Uh, no. It is an attempt to make the McCain independent voters believe that McCain is a more natural running mate for Kerry than for Bush. Because McCain is likewise viewed as a combat hero, this image further dispels the (correct) idea that Kerry would damage our national security. Whether you like McCain or not, Republicans have allowed Kerry to identify with McCain's supporters without actually having McCain on the ticket.

5 America is not Spain. Oh, really. Let's not take that for granted. See the polls lately? Americans who knew they wanted Al Queda types tortured and killed are now agonizing over mistreatment of some of the worst scum in Iraq. The number of casualties has been low in comparison to the mission but there is constant talk of the death toll. America is absolutely on the verge of going the Spanish route. Electing a left winger, pretending to still fight terrorism, but really pulling back from all aggressive action.

This list could be longer. But let's start here. I love President Bush but in the end I love my country foremost (as I know he does). We need to stop fooling ourselves that Americans see through Kerry's nonsense. They don't unless we help them every day. Stop letting every article begin with a sentence containing the words "weak economy" without challenging it. Stop letting every newspaper say the President's plan "has no details" without challenge. Stop letting Kerry get away with misrepresentations of himself and Bush every day, with nothing more than RNC press releases that only we read.

The administration, starting with the President, needs to engage Kerry, articulate his record. Tell Americans that we are winning. Tell them Kerry is a radical liberal. Wrap the radical congressional dems around his neck and demand that he renounce them. Tell people the clear differences between McCain and Kerry.

What could have been weaker than the President delivering a great speech that nobody heard? That type of just assuming Americans will get the message has been the downfall of Republicans for decades.

Everyone is waiting for the President to engage. And as much as I love him, as much as he loves our nation, the big stakes here are not the Bush Presidency. They are the near future of America. Bush and the Republican party need to take on the liberals and if they don't they are letting all of us down

[xJones]

Everyone is waiting for the President to engage. And as much as I love him, as much as he loves our nation, the big stakes here are not the Bush Presidency. They are the near future of America. Bush and the Republican party need to take on the liberals and if they don't they are letting all of us down.

I'll agree with that, except that it's more than our 'near future'.

[capydick]

...assuming Americans will get the message has been the downfall of Republicans for decades.

I remember thinking the same thing when Bush-1 was running against the rapist and, I also thought the same thing when Bob Dole ran against him. Although there are more ways to gather truthful information today, the majority of the populace still rely upon the alphabet news readers to tell them what to think. The combination of media bias and election fraud, (illegals and the dead voting,voting more than once,and union intimidation) that the RATS will employ make this fight one of the hardest ever but, one worth fighting nonetheless

[JustPlainJoe]

You are RIGHT on the mark!

[mwfsu84]

I'm just as frustrated as you are. This election is about George W. Bush vs. the Democrat Party. The country can keep a great president who takes action, or replace him with a politician who's best atrribute is keeping his mouth shut.

The economy is booming.

We've made more progress in developing alternate energy sources than we ever have. Look up the "Freedom Car" on the net.

Saddam Hussien is in jail. Libya is cooperating. We've found Sarin and mustard gas in Iraq. We're holding North Korea to the fire on WMD. Unlike the previous administration, we won't give them a single crumb unless they verifiably disarm.

And yet no one knows any of this, thanks to the media. It's like singing underwater. I'm so damn frustrated.

I challenge (and correct) everyone who bashes Bush. But is it enough?

[j_tull]

Nice work. I find some of the over-confidence around here to be frightening at times.

[Caipirabob]

The truth can be hard to take, and you've dealt out an ample quantity of it.

Therefore I am compelled to agree and then go consume an entire box of the following:

Still, I think GW's polling is subject to "secret sauce" to a point, but I'm also willing to entertain false hopes from time to time. Also, Al Gore didn't earn the popular bote, it was stolen in his favor. Then again, we have done nothing to dismantle the "fraud machine", so we can look for the same thing to happen in 2004. That, plus the rats have already activated their "Rat Lawyer Cells" around the country to file lawsuits and contest the vote at every step when it goes against them.

Good post, not good news, but good post.

[Xerxes855]

Despite Kerry's opportunistic Bush-bashing, I doubt he will handle the situation in Iraq any different from how Bush would if he was elected. He might hand some control over to the United Nations, but he won't just leave. Many of the far left don't like Kerry because they don't like that he would stay in Iraq the same as Bush. Kerry is right in some of his criticisms, but those are looking at the past, and the bad way Bush has handled the situation. Bush's and Kerry's vision for the future in Iraq though, is very similar.

[Williams]

We live in a big world not limited to Iraq. Kerry's foreign policy team would be incompetent liberals like Madeline Smallbright who would slowly drip drip drip the lifeblood of this nation away. Without Bush there never would have been an Iraq war. Or an Afghanistan war. Or Libyan cooperation. Now project those differences into the future. That is the difference.

[kenth]

From another post of yours:
"The only reason I support John Kerry is because I at least agree with what he would do, and Bush is so bad that I am scared for our country."

If Kerry will handle the situation no differently, and Bush has handled it badly, then why would you prefer one over the other? And what scares you for our country?

[FrankR]

"Everyone is waiting for the President to engage."

I think the key to this whole thing is for Conservatives NOT to panic. This article smacks a little of panic, and fear.

Don't get me wrong, lord effin of ketchup would be the worst thing for america since King William of Monica...the difference being, we could give King william an intern catnip, and keep him busy...as he'd much rather chase skirts than deal with policies of any kind.

Bush has a pretty good record of playing "rope-a-dope" with the liberals...maybe that's what he's doing now. We'd all like him to pull a "Duke" and go in guns-a-blazing and settle this whole mess...but so far that's not his plan.

I'm trying to believe that W paid attention when his Dad got rope-a-doped by the libs and lost to clinton, and won't make the same mistake. But then again, the situations are taking on a similar cast.

If I could give Bush one bit of advice, it would be "quit bragging on what you have done in Iraq". Let the party do that for you...and it's too easy for the left to judgementalize on. Moreover, tell us what you are GOING TO DO. The medical streamlining was a good start...but the people need to hear more of what you are going to do FOR THEM.

Start acting like [because it almost is] Iraq has been handled...and is winding down. Mr. President it's time to turn you attentions to the home front. Fix this immigration thing; how about some control on frivilous lawsuits, gasoline prices, and domestic oil.

Stop acting like you are afraid of the media...use them to your advantage. Be bold and put them [media and libs] on the defensive. Mr. President stop being defensive!

I pray that Mr. Bush knows all this, and is playing the libs for the suckers they are; the libs are going into panic-driven overdrive and they will say and do anything - legal or otherwise - to get effin in the White House.

Do we need reminders of the worst administration ever...the clinton years; a low-rent group that trashed our Nation's White House because of sour grapes? Or algore's recent tantrum because he's realized he'll always be a dork?

I think watching these liberals come apart in full blown campaign mode should be accompanied by Chuck Berry's "Reelin' and Rockin'"...except if clinton shows up, then it's "My ding-a-ling" all the way.

[MJY1288]

How can John Kerry be "right" about anything? NOBODY knows where that opportunistic flip flopping liberal stands on the issues

[DrDeb]

. . . you offer an astute analysis!

Let me add the following:

President Bush IS engaged; however, he is battling the overwhelming power and OVERT animus of the MEDIA (electronic, newspaper, internet), POPULAR CULTURE (television, film, music, book publishing), and ACADEMICA (K-12 and post-secondary). [PRESIDENT BUSH CAN'T RAISE ENOUGH MONEY or generate enough advertising to combat the free publicity this triumvirate generates for Kerry!!]

For this reason, we Republicans/conservatives can't do what we typically do -- whine and moan while passively waiting for EVERY ONE else to do the 'heavy lifting'!

For the first time, I'm volunteering to help with the 'heavy lifting' -- I'm writing letters to the editor, I'm calling senators/representatives/media scum, I'm talking to high school seniors (and getting them to register as Republicans), I'm volunteering for my local GOTV activities, I'm decorating and helping staff the floats for various summer parades, I'm donating money, and so on and on and on!

GUESS WHAT -- I PROBABLY REPRESENT ABOUT 1% OF THE REGISTERED REPUBLICANS IN THIS COUNTRY.

THIS ISN'T GWB'S ELECTION TO WIN; IT'S OUR ELECTION TO LOSE!
WE WILL GET THE GOVERNMENT WE DESERVE!

[gcruse]

Excellent.

[edweena]

"If I could give Bush one bit of advice, it would be "quit bragging on what you have done in Iraq"."

Somebody has to do it! Why isn't the White House issuing regular reports on the electricity being produced and the oil being pumped compared to this time last year and the year before in Iraq? Why don't they release reports on the status of areas of Iraq where there is no fighting? Where local governments are being formed? I think that's why the liberals criticize President Bush for not being specific enough. We don't get specific examples of success.

We only hear what the press tells us about attacks and prisoner abuse. Well, time can be bought on TV and radio. Space can be bought in magazines and newspapers. The President can call a Press Conference and use questions from reporters to give examples of successes. That's what needs to be done.

[FrankR]

"Somebody has to do it! "

You're absolutely right...but as I stated, it's time for his people to do the bragging, and his campaign ads...in his speeches, he needs to concentrate on the future...here at home.

I think his base is solid...but the "undecideds" are the goal every candidate seeks...and all I've heard out of them is gripes about he economy, jobs, gasoline, etc.

Then, maybe I should just be patient and see what he pulls out of the hat (I hope).

New Bumper Sticker: AnyBush over Kerry.

[Williams]

Yes, Bush has to swim against a hostile media. But IF you and your surrogates aggressively counter the dems' points at every opportunity, you create a situation where they have to start mentioning your response. When you mumble "well, i agree it's been a bad two months for the president..." you are handing them the sword to shove in your back. Most republicans are clueless, and need to be led and pushed by the White House.

[uncbob]

Kerry is right in some of his criticisms, but those are looking at the past, and the bad way Bush has handled the situation. Bush's and Kerry's vision for the future in Iraq though, is very similar.

BS
Latest democrat ploy is trying to paint Kerry as having a similar position on terrorism as Bush cause they know Kerry is vulnerable there
Total Crappolla and me thinks youse is a democrat

[King Prout]

you, too?
sometimes i wish folks here would recall the old story concerning an overconfident hare and a plodding old tortoise... I am sure the asses over at DU know that tale by heart.

[King Prout]

I had the same reaction as uncbob