I can’t think of any other reason why the Republicans are feeling more confident about their chances in November other than the curiously-timed drop in fuel prices. It seems like the whole “throw the bums out” mentality is being tempered a bit. But what else could be behind the GOP’s recently higher poll numbers? Could it be the compromise the congress made on torture to appease the cabal that fears they may be tried for war crimes sometime in the future? I supposed it might not matter anyway, as Karl Rove has apparently already served up the notion that there will definitely be an October Surprise. Could it be that we finally caught Bin Laden? Doubtful. He is the best campaign tool the GOP has ever had. This administration has demonized him to the point that 90% of Americans polled believe that to look into the terrorist leader’s eyes means instant death. You think they’re going to let anyone know that they have him locked up somewhere? No, it serves them better for people to think Bin Laden is “somewhere, out there…” Unless, I suppose, the GOP’s poll numbers slide dramatically in the run up to the elections. Talk about a trump card.
I just don’t know what it’s going to take to wake Americans up from their collective stupor. Can it really be all about the gasoline prices? Just keep our Hummers filled up with cheap middle-eastern gasoline and we’re all content? Does no one care about our standing in the world? Isn’t it bad for our national security that so many countries seem to be speaking out against American Imperialism?
It’s hard to believe that just five short years ago, even Iran appeared poised to become a potential ally in the US ‘war on terror’. I guess people have short memories, and that just makes it easier for this government to convince its citizens that everywhere they look, someone could be waiting to kill them. The politics of fear is so very effective.