Chode

Charlie Black, John McCain's top campaign adviser, tossed out this little nugget of wisdom during a recent interview with Fortune: The assassination of Benazir Bhutto in December was an "unfortunate event," says Black. "But his knowledge and ability to talk about it reemphasized that this is the guy who's ready to be Commander-in-Chief. And it helped us." As would, Black concedes with startling candor after we raise the issue, another terrorist attack on U.S. soil. "Certainly it would be a big advantage to him," says Black. Who'd have thought a mouth could stretch big enough to accommodate that foot!

You can read the whole story here.

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mommabear

Of course politically it's something we all think about, and until recently Black had a point. But after 7 years of the Republicans touting the lack of attacks being proof that only they can keep us safe, the only good to come out of statements like this is that the public will be very suspicious of any October Surprises this time around. It worked for two elections, but it won't work the next time.

Even if a real attack did occur (God forbid), who are they going to blame now? They've boxed themselves into that corner without any help from the Democrats.

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bry623

First of all, McCain quickly came out against the statement. Don't be surprised to see Black go.

Secondly, which October surprises were there?

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mommabear

Here ya go.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October...Bush_vs._Kerry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October...term_elections
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October...ussein_verdict

And then of course, there's been the systematic use of terror by the Bush Administration whenever they get into trouble, or simply want to push any media coverage of their detractors aside.

The Nexus of Politics and Fear
October 12, 2005
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=az7yl-UnsQQ

Transcript of the video (from a 2006 re-run) is here, about half-way down:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14481959/

Oh, and if and when Black does go, will the Right be as critical of McCain for taking so long, as they were when it took Obama awhile to break with Wright?

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Chode

Disavowals seem to have become a hallmark of John's campaign. Looks to me like The Straight Talk Express is running on a line that needs major work on the tracks and roadbed.

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simpswr

. . gotta support da troops . . .

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Rich


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yustr

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In Vino Veritas

sobeit

sorry I am a bit late to this thread but I gotta say,

No matter how awful the statement is, no matter how disgusting it is, the statement was true, a terrorist attack right before elections would help McCain.

In fact, I would not be surprised that there was one and elections were canceled to keep bush in office longer. There was a reason for Bush rewriting the national martial law in 2006.

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mommabear

That's another October Surprise possibility I'd forgotten about, but you're right. Although it wouldn't take an actual attack for Bush to try that. He just needs to convince us there's a major threat. Although as I've stated before, I think (I hope!) enough time as passed and enough information has now surfaced about their past tactics so the public won't be so easily duped anymore.

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EnglishPaul

I think if Bush did dream up a way of staying in office, the world press would cite many a reference to Mugabe.

Chode

Sobeit, I think mommabear was right the first time around when she said that a new terrorist attack would actually make the Republican position that they are our best defense against terrorist attacks obviously invalid. If you're a member of the Republican faithful, I guess you can find a thin and bogus rationale to blame Clinton for 9/11, but after two terms of Bush in office, who could the Republicans blame now?

What did the Administration ask for in the way of support from Congress and the American people that they didn't get? We wrote them a blank check for "The War". We gave them the blood and lives of our soldiers, and the suffering and pain of their families. We closed our eyes to the torture and abuse of prisoners. We legitimized illegal spying and other abuses of the Constitution. Somehow, I don't think an attack on U.S. soil is going to benefit McCain's run for the White House. Bush doesn't want to stick around in office either on any terms.

Look at videos of Bush's early days in office and current ones. I think Bush today is clearly a beaten man. He wouldn't remain in office on some kind of political ploy. As much as I've come to despise him, I still have more respect for him than to think he'd ever want to be a dictator.

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mommabear

I'd like to add something to this point. It is my belief that Bush would not see himself as a dictator should events give him the opportunity to stay in power. There's been plenty of evidence to show that he follows an ideology that he's been chosen by God to change the world, and do it by force if necessary. It's long and complicated and I'm not getting into it, because on the other hand, you are probably right, Chode. He is a beaten man now. Thankfully, enough misjudgments have occurred to thwart that and I think his time has passed.

But what we have to watch for is that there are men who would take his place. They may not believe God told them to do it. Their rational would be power and wealth, not God's will. They'd be just as dangerous, if not more dangerous.

I don't know if McCain falls into that last category or his election would give those who seek to resume world domination by the US some breathing room to regroup and plan again. All I know is neo-conservatism must be stopped and stopped now.

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