Re: Kerry's reaffirmation of Iraq War vote. Don't fall for Rove's ploy. [View All]

[Skinner]

I'm a little dismayed to see so many people falling for this most recent campaign ploy. Congratulations, you are responding in exactly the manner Karl Rove wants you to respond. Allow me to explain.

Why is everyone talking about Kerry's Iraq war vote right now? Here's why:

http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws-bush07.html (Go ahead, read it.)

This was a smart political ploy on Bush's part. But it's still a ploy. Don't fall for it! The purpose of Bush forcing Kerry to say "yes or no" is to create a no-win situation for Kerry, where he either 1) pisses off the anti-war left, or 2) pisses off independent voters who are generally inclined to rally 'round the flag on issues of national security. Either way, he loses. That's why Bush/Rove set the trap.

Kerry responded in THE ONLY WAY HE COULD RESPOND: 1. Reaffirm his vote so that he appears firm and decisive on national security and so he does not reinforce the Rovian caricature that he is a flip-flopper; and 2. Explain how he thinks Bush fucked up with the authority he was given.

If Kerry had responded, "yeah, I fucked up," then what would have happened? He would have gotten cheers on DU, but little else. There is no political upside for Kerry to say that his vote was a fuck up.

I think many people here just don't understand that to the Average American, national security is the number one priority right now. Any candidate that gives the appearance that he's unwilling to fight to protect the US is TOAST.

So, Kerry did what he had to do. He portrays himself as is firm, decisive, and consistent, and then lays the blame for the war at Bush's feet. He fudged it.

But even though Kerry responded in the only way he possibly could, some people are still falling for the Rovian trap.

NOTHING HAS CHANGED FROM ONE WEEK AGO. Kerry's position on the war is the same. The only difference is that Rove came up with a way to remind you that you didn't like Kerry's war vote, so now we've got a bunch of people saying that they're not going to vote for him.

Don't fall for it! Those sleazy fuckers on the other side will try anything to divide us. They have no shame, and they'll do anything to win. Be strong! Don't let them divide us! Don't fall for it!