Sometimes it is difficult to separate political theater from a sincere desire to do the right thing. Critics of both President Bush and Senator Clinton automatically suspect the worst of these politicians who spent Thanksgiving with the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. While I am sure the political implications were not lost on either of them, this should not distract from the positive symbolism of their actions. Does anyone truly doubt that the surprise visit of the Commander In Chief to Iraq put a thrill in the hearts of our soldiers? Admittedly, some may question if our soldiers were as thrilled about seeing Senator Clinton, but at least she was reaching out to them. I wish all of our national politicians would spend time with our troops.
Remember when reporters were embedded with our troops during the initial liberation of Iraq? It helped change the perspective of some in the media when they had the chance to actually interact with some of America’s finest people. Therefore, I propose embedding all politicians with the troops at regular intervals.
In other news, a holiday Toast-A-Meter is out – I especially love the reference to John Kerry: Burnt French Toast. Dean’s World has a transcript of President Bush’s speech. John Cole aptly sums up the view of many independents.
The behavior of the left tonight in reaction to this visit may have settled any question about my vote in 2004. I was toying with voting for the libertarian candidate, as I am livid about this administration's fiscal irresponsibility, but I am not going to do anything that might put someone in office that these wingnuts want. I don't want anyone who represents their thinking anywhere near public office. Period.
That is actually fairly close to how I feel too. I despise many of President Bush’s fiscal policies (his foolishness on the steel tariff, his support for yet another entitlement, etc.), yet he is virtually assured of my vote in 2004. I simply don’t trust the Democrats on national security.
JadeGold,
My reply became much too long to fit in the comments section. I'll be publishing a new post on this subject later tonight.
ADM Q: Can you articulate what the Bush plan for Iraq is? Please be specific; I'm not looking for a 'free and democratic Iraq which joins the community of nations as a freedom-loving partner'-schtick.
Also, does it not concern you that you were lied to as to the reasons why an invasion and occupation of Iraq was necessary?