John Kerry: Unfit For Command

[Pekka]

WEll I think no one has turned into my analysis. MRT144 is the only one who agreed that Bush Team should use another strategy attacking Kerry.

And as far as analysis goes, that's about all I claimed. I took no sides. I think they both suck. If you disagree with me, then what part about that you disagree?

[Pekka]

the big problem I see is, that he has revelaled his cards already, and brought nothing new to the table. Kerry will bring something at the end though. So how can he meet that, when he's got nothing new under teh sun? He will go on about security issues, about continuing to make the world more free, where as Kerry doesn't disagree, he just wants to do it better. Now, Kerry has the initiative and he has had that for some time now. Republican National Convention si absolutely essential to take the initiative back. If the Team is unable to do that decisively, mark my words, he loses these elections. If he delivers in that speech, he will make a tigh lead over KErry, and with succesful drum beating at the end, that can carry him to the second term.

[Drake Tungsten]

If you disagree with me, then what part about that you disagree?

1. The Bush team isn't sponsoring the SwiftVets, so I fail to see how you can criticize the Bushies for a strategy they aren't actually using.

2. I fail to see how the SwiftVets charges are mudslinging. They're all veterans of the same unit as Kerry. They've brought up charges they aren't outlandish, one of which has already proven true. If questions about Kerry's service record in Vietnam (the centerpiece of his campaign) can't be raised by his former comrades (used by Kerry himself in his political ads), then who exactly can question Kerry without it being considered "mudslinging"?

[Pekka]

Yeah but those vets are indirectly in the elections, just like michael moore's F911.

They are both for 'anyone but him'. And the talks about this election is heavily concentrated on that. The Teams should be able to control the issues, because if they can't they're just like a ship in storm, and it's anyones game.

It's no excuse. He should be able to strongly come up with his own issues, to make the distraction to something else.

[Pekka]

And if you say they are not slinging mud, visit his website. I think you find it a hater site, and there's plenty of kaka throwing. It wouldn't be so bad, but it's so huge, the contrast, between the candidates websites. You can see some fundamental differencies in them, and since Kerry did set up a trap in his DNC speech, I think they totally ate it.

[Drake Tungsten]

Why would Bush bother doing anything whilst Kerry is fighting off attacks from his own fellow veterans? Best to wait it out and then hit Kerry when he's weak. Save your money and political capital for the coup de grace...

[Pekka]

So Bush is not attacking?

Do you not see the point, that when they attack Kerry, it is indirect attack against Bush as well. Bush takes damage too from this. And go visit his website so you see the other attacks, that ARE the works of his team. Face it, Kerry's strategists are totally dominating right now, and will dominate to the end unless they start countering it.

[Drake Tungsten]

So Bush is not attacking?

Not really. Cheney took a couple shots at Kerry last week, but the Bush campaign has yet to begin in earnest. Lots of people are wondering what they're waiting for, actually.

Do you not see the point, that when they attack Kerry, it is indirect attack against Bush as well. Bush takes damage too from this.

How does this hurt Bush, exactly?

[Ogie Oglethorpe]

Originally posted by Pekka
Yeah but those vets are indirectly in the elections, just like michael moore's F911.

Yes I agree

They are both for 'anyone but him'. And the talks about this election is heavily concentrated on that. The Teams should be able to control the issues, because if they can't they're just like a ship in storm, and it's anyones game.

Couldn't disagree more as this represents the very infringement on free speach that everyone is so paranoid about. Restriction of political speach.

It's no excuse. He should be able to strongly come up with his own issues, to make the distraction to something else.

Point is the party's in question have acted differently faced with partisan hackmanship. In the Dem case they embraced Moore thus effectively endorsing his view. In the SBVAK the Repubs have allowed the ideas to be promulagated through the community of ideas without taking an endorsement stand.

[Pekka]

Drake, Right, I would agree that theiur campagn hasn't really started yet. They might start it from their own convention I guess.

[Ming]

Of course they are waiting for their convention... That's been their game plan all along. I only hope they actually deliver on showing what they hope to accomplish in a second term, and how they plan on doing it. Then the campaign will begin for real.

I seriously doubt the convention will be a "sling mud at Kerry" event... and I seriously doubt they are going to highlight the vets who are attacking Kerry... Unlike the Dems putting Moore on center stage...

[Pekka]

But since they start this late, if they fail to deliver in their convention, it will be very bad for their campagn and I think they will not success.

[MichaeltheGreat]

Originally posted by Ogie Oglethorpe
Point is the party's in question have acted differently faced with partisan hackmanship. In the Dem case they embraced Moore thus effectively endorsing his view. In the SBVAK the Repubs have allowed the ideas to be promulagated through the community of ideas without taking an endorsement stand.

Or the Republicans have let their attack dogs work without either embracing or distancing themselves, so they can sit and talk out of both sides of their face about "negativity" and such.

(and yes, the Dems have done it too.)

[MichaeltheGreat]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten

Do you not see the point, that when they attack Kerry, it is indirect attack against Bush as well. Bush takes damage too from this.

How does this hurt Bush, exactly?

"I spent the war in Vietnam defending the shores of Texas against the Free Mexican Air Force, at least when I showed up. That was very important for our nation's security, and daddy's connections didn't really help me a whole lot. Once he greased the skids, it was all up to me." - George W. Bush on his war record.

The mere fact that an incumbent has to attack a challenger isn't good news for the incumbent.

[Drake Tungsten]

At least Bush has opened up his military records. Why won't Kerry do the same?