While There's Still Time
Ronald Reagan once noted, "I don't believe in a fate that will fall upon us no matter what we do; I do believe in a fate that will fall upon us if we do nothing."
The Gipper's words could well apply to this year's congressional elections. Luckily, as Fred Barnes points out, there is some improvement in the Republicans' chances to hold Congress -- but absolutely no room for complacency.
Fred Barnes is entirely correct in urging the Administration to move decisively on Iran. Not only is it the right thing to do from a national security standpoint -- it's necessary to avoid sending the message that the United States, and Bush himself, are so impotent and immobilized in Iraq that Iran can do as it pleases.
Failure to confront Iran won't only embolden Ahmadinjad and his ilk; it will confuse and dismay the American people -- who appreciate Bush, above all, for doing what needs to be done to keep the country safe.
The Gipper's words could well apply to this year's congressional elections. Luckily, as Fred Barnes points out, there is some improvement in the Republicans' chances to hold Congress -- but absolutely no room for complacency.
Fred Barnes is entirely correct in urging the Administration to move decisively on Iran. Not only is it the right thing to do from a national security standpoint -- it's necessary to avoid sending the message that the United States, and Bush himself, are so impotent and immobilized in Iraq that Iran can do as it pleases.
Failure to confront Iran won't only embolden Ahmadinjad and his ilk; it will confuse and dismay the American people -- who appreciate Bush, above all, for doing what needs to be done to keep the country safe.
posted by LadybugUSA at 3:33 PM
10 Comments:
Carol claims there are, "the American people -- who appreciate Bush, above all, for doing what needs to be done to keep the country safe."
Carol, can you point to one recent poll where a majority of Americans approve of George W. Bush's handling of Homeland Security and terrorism? I'm just curious, because I haven't seen any that consistently point in the direction you are claiming.
Polls, Carol. He wants polls. Because polls are the be all and end all of all that truly is. One cannot make a move without polls. Just ask Bill Clinton.
Perhaps, twistie, she should have said, "Rational American people..."
"According to the poll, conducted through phone interviews with 1,001 Americans...a majority, 55 percent, approve of Bush's handling of terrorism and homeland security (40 percent disapprove), an 11-point boost since May, returning the president to levels not seen since early 2005." 08/12/06 Newsweek - reported by MSNBC.
..."the president's rating for handling terrorism – his strongest suit – remains unchanged at 51 percent." 08/17-21/06 CBS News/NYTimes poll.
USAToday/Gallup Poll conducted 08/18-20/06: Question: "Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling terrorism?" Results: 55% Approve, 43 % Disapprove, 2% Unsure.
I don't place a lot of faith in polls, but when even the left-wing MSM gets results like those, what will lefties who usually swear by them say? Probably, like Newsweek and CNN, quickly change the topic to something other than the question asked.
Of course, Bachbone, they'll say there are hanging chads or something and a recount is needed. Or just pretend it never happened.
Bachbone makes my point directly, in his quote from MSNBC, "a majority, 55 percent, approve of Bush's handling of terrorism and homeland security (40 percent disapprove), an 11-point boost since May, returning the president to levels not seen since early 2005."
Let me get this straight. After an 11% boost, the President barely breaks 50% on terrorism and homeland security. And these numbers are the high water mark in over a year and a half. Carol is right, the American people really, really appreciate the President for his efforts.
Bushie, you're doing a heckuva job.
Marhsall the Lesser writes, "Perhaps, twistie, she should have said, 'Rational American people...'"
If the average American disagrees with you, then they are not rational? You, like Carol, are such a right wing elitocrat--thinking that you are so superior to the average American.
Bzzzzzzzt. Bachbone. Thanks for playing.
I should have learned by now that I need to check sources for myself. There are more current results from the Newsweek on this question than the one that Bachbone picked. They show (drum roll please)...
"The only semblance of a silver lining remains his handling of terrorism and homeland security, with 49 percent approving and 45 percent disapproving. But unfortunately for Bush, his approval rating on that issue edged downward as well, from 55 percent in mid-August." [Cite]
Last I checked 49% was not considered a majority. Nor does picking a recent high water mark count as a consistently pointing to anything.
MT asked: "Carol, can you point to one recent poll where a majority of Americans approve of George W. Bush's handling of Homeland Security and terrorism?"
One recent poll was requested and three cited where the president had approval from a majority of respondents. As predicted, the Clinton method of deflection ("It depends on what the meaning of the word 'is' is.") is tossed into the mix. "...one recent poll" has now morphed into "the latest poll."
So, how about consistency? Between 11/01/01 and 08/21/06, CBS/NYTimes polled 63 times on the question, "Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling the campaign against terrorism?" <50% approval occurred 11 times, 50% approval 2 times, and >50% approval 50 times. A majority approval rating 79% of the time.
Between 2/20/04 and 08/25/06, Newsweek polled 12 times on this question: ". . . Do you approve or disapprove of the way Bush is handling terrorism and homeland security?" >50% approval was given 7 times, and <50% 5 times. A majority approval rating 58% of the time.
Between 02/02/03 and 08/20/06, USAToday & Gallup polled 32 times on this question: "Do you approve or disapprove of the way George W. Bush is handling terrorism?" <50% approval occurred 5 times and >50% approval 27 times. A majority approval rating 84% of the time.
Pretty consistent, I'd say.
Here's another clarification for twisted: "the American people -- who appreciate Bush, above all, for doing what needs to be done to keep the country safe." are the rational Americans. They just happen to agree with me on this point. YOU, not being among that group, are irrational.
The dirty little secret in all of this fine people is that NO president, No Congress, No political party and No judge activist or no can secure a nation as vast as the USA. If and when terrorists wish to attack they shall. It only takes a small cell of men with limited communication and the resolve to die for what they believe to accomplsih such a task.
And polls do matter marshall, like the one that will take place in early November where every American with the franchise is allowed to make themsleves heard.
Voting IS the ultimate opinion poll.
C.E.
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