I Don't Like Kerry's Current Iraq Critique

[liberalpragmatist]

I recognize the impulse to stop second-guessing the Kerry campaign, and I strongly discourage anybody from panicking and claiming that Kerry is "blowing it" - he's doing fine, and the race is FAR from over.

But even so, I feel I have to express something that's been bothering me lately about Kerry's current critique. I STRONGLY dislike Kerry's current framing of the war as a financial mistake. I know he's trying to connect Iraq with domestic issues, but while I think he needs to discuss domestic issues (esp. health care and manufacturing), he can't ignore national security. He HAS to make the case that Bush is not making Americans safer and stress that he would fight a BETTER war on terror. He NEEDS to reframe Iraq as Bush's choice - he has been doing this to some extent lately, but he shouldn't be doing it as a financial mistake - he needs to stress that Congress (not just him) voted to give the President authority for war as leverage to get inspectors in. He MUST say that going to war was Bush's choice, but rather than tying it to the money issue (as he's been doing right now), he MUST emphasize that this has made us LESS safe.

I wish he would cut a couple ads about the war on terror and Iraq, detailing where Bush is wrong and where Kerry would and could do better.

I really hope he pounds Bush on this during the debates, at least.

[A_Possum]

1. I disagree

My Bush supporting mother is actually most open to this realization that we are spending 4 BILLION dollars a month over there, instead of on things that matter.

[Cocoa]

2. he's picked up on one of my favorite Kucinich themes

the domestic issues are inextricably linked to Iraq.

[JohnKleeb]

5. he has done that with other stuff

I am not solely giving Kucinich credit for saying "Health care is a right not a privilege" but that was one of his themes, our ticket has adopted that and I am happy to say that. He's right to link domestics to Iraq I think too.

[GreenArrow]

3. Iraq policy is

Domestic Policy.

[troublemaker]

4. I have read that general analysis and found myself agreeing, but

think back to when public opinion went south on Iraq. It was when Bush went on TV to ask for the 87 billion, almost exactly one year ago. (9/2003)


somewhat related:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x810609

[DaveinMD]

6. internal polling on campaigns I work for

shows that framing 87 billion for Iraq with nothing in the US for health care, homeland defense and other domestic programs is a very persuasive argument for the voters. This is a good point for Kerry to drive home.

[heidler1]

7. The National debt is the other 1012 lb. gorilla. #1 is the deaths.

If Kerry can get the connection to the voters made between the distrucive effect of the debt and subsequent hardship for the US it then makes Kerry look reasonable for voting against the huge amount of money being spent on this stupid war.

Bush misused the "if everything else fails you can go to war" that Kerry did vote for as a blank check OK to go to war anytime Bush felt like it. Bush was wrong to twist the meaning and still is. The method is similar to the gotcha tactics in the upcoming Flag burning game.

One of the main reasons the Republicans hate Clinton was because Clinton was better at jacking them into a corner than they were at getting Clinton.

[no name no slogan]

8. Presidents don't win on the national debt

Perot tried in in 1992, and he still lost. The national debt, while a huge problem, is not immediate enough to get people to vote.

The problem with Kerry on Iraq right now is that he's spent his time defending his indefensable vote on the IWR, and NOT focusing on what he would do differently from Shrub once he's in office.

On the face of things, Kerry's plan for Iraq is very similar to Bush's: "internationalize" the occupation without giving up US control of resources and security, and put more troops on the ground-- and "possibly" reduce them by 2008.

The only way that Iraq will stabilize is when the US relinquishes ALL control over Iraq and its resources, and removes ALL troops not involved in a multinational peacekeeping force. As long as the US (and its corporations) retain control over ANY aspect of Iraq, the armed resistance will continue.

Several Democrats have proposed workable exit plans from Iraq, including Sen. Mark Dayton (D-MN), a strong and early supporter of Kerry's. There ARE workable solutions out there-- but the Kerry campaign is too afraid to talk about them, lest he be seen as "weak on terror" (whatever that means-- as even Dubya has admitted there were no ties between Iraq and Al-Qaida).

The war is the big white elephant in the room that nobody has the guts to talk about in a non-"war on terra" manner. The war was wrong, the occupation only compounds it. We cannot afford to be in Iraq-- monetarily or otherwise. The candidate who proposes a PEACEFUL, workable exit plan from Iraq that saves American lives will be the one who wins.

Sen. Kerry, are you listening?

[heidler1]

12. I hope Kerry decides to tie the cost into why we have to cut our losses.

I am sure that the fact polls show only 50% or less support for getting out is pretty scary as to getting elected. All of the candidates who wanted to get out are history like Dean and Dennis K. I personally liked Dean, but those who predicted his demise appear to have been right. If this support level changes then Kerry can change without shooting himself in the foot.

Presuming that the Iraqis are smart enough to keep up the pressure on the occupiers and do nothing help cause a new big terrorist attack on the US I believe that there is still time for a get out now effort to work before the election.

[jab105]

9. AGREE COMPLETELY!!

n/t

[Zynx]

10. I feel the same way. If we attack on it, Iraq is our best issue.

[sandersadu]

11. Nat'l Security

I agree w/ original poster. You can't run away from the war, you have to attack it head on say it's made us less safe. It has (How many Americans were rushing to the Athens Olympics v. Sydney Olympics). I think the economic argument is secondary vis-a-vis the war, but the Economic component needs its own Meme.


S