GOP Strategists Shamelessly Exploit the 'T' Word

[rodeodance]

http://www.commondreams.org/views06/0825-28.htm

Published on Friday, August 25, 2006 by the Toledo Blade (Ohio)

GOP Strategists Shamelessly Exploit the 'T' Word
by Marilou Johanek


It is their "go-to" move. Stressing a seamless connection between 9/11, terrorism, and Iraq has been effectively used by the GOP to scare people into staying put.

The favorite party fallback stresses that changing America's leadership when the world is a frightfully dangerous place would put America in even more jeopardy than it is today. It's a winning strategy.

Using terrorism as a wedge won in 2004 so Republicans retooled their old tactics in 2006. It was clear from the onset of the midterm campaigns that terror would be the GOP's main (only?) key to success. When the controlling party can't claim victory in war with failing policies in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Lebanon, or boast of any great achievements at home, talking terrorism is a compelling way to change the subject.

When the administration has a history of doling out tax breaks to the most profitable energy companies while the personal budgets of Americans are strained by high gasoline costs, Republicans would rather bypass the subject altogether. They also don't want to dwell on the sluggish economy or rising unemployment in critical battleground states like Ohio. And they're hard-pressed to show progress in controlling health-care costs, reforming Social Security, or making college affordable.......

[AlinPA]

1. ...and the "G" words (with their republican base). n/t