One thing a politician MUST do in American foreign policy, especially in something as vague as a war on terrorism over many years, in many countries, without a concrete milestone of success is gain deep and wide support.  I support the goal of no nukes in Manhattan, no biological agents in LA.  

First, new situations by definition require a learning curve.  The war on WMD terror is a new situation globally.  So that Bush has made mistakes is part of the national and global learning process, and he should not pay for it - so long as he has learned.

Back to AllHail…’s post “Eight Talking Points…” he raises the point “The President should be aware of every mistake he has made.”  This is a fundamental requisite of learning.  As the Baloney man points out, Bush could only conjure up some minor appointments  - the sure sign of a scared, defensive man.  

Bush’s approach has lead to this situation – a deeply divided country.  On 9/12 we weren’t divided.  He squandered his opportunity to create something that a Colin Powell or a John McCain wouldn’t have, had either been President.  Or dare I say it – one a Bill Clinton would have taken on like a plump woman in the back seat.  

The point is, to wage war in the 21st century takes support that can survive elections every 4 years.  This means you’ve frankly got to be much, much better than Bush.  And maybe also Kerry.  But his instincts will go towards this better than Bush.  

There is a documentary on TV sometime this week that looks at FDR, LBJ and someone else who led against the grain.  They had the savvy to build consensus – LBJ, a Texan building civil rights in US – that takes mammoth balls – and skills to pull it off.  

Where are Bush’s skills in building support for Iraq?  By not being able to think in moral terms that inspire or to “speak in paragraphs” (Baloney’s quote is the best of the forum, IMHO), Bush has squandered away a unique opportunity because at the end of the day, the guy is a deer in headlights.  

I also realize why I post here.  It's not to persude the James86's of the world, but it is to collaborate with the Baloney's and the NOSC's and the Zin's and the EV's and even the RTLW's to get the best and most sound ideas we can create together.  

I think he has been a disgrace in the role of "loyal opposition".

-- Modified on 10/14/2004 4:07:36 PM