I'm always amazed by "the polls."
Who are these people in the polls; and exactly why do their opinions
matter?
Consider:
Clearly, MOST Americans are totally disengaged from the day to day
chatter about geopolitics and the economy.
Probably less than 1% read the WSJ or NYT op-ed page! Sorry Paul,
Tom and Maureen!
Most Americans are into sports, Hollywood gossip, and wishing they
had big "silly-cone" lips, and could sing and dance like
an "American Idol!"
SO WHAT DO "THE POLLS" REALLY TELL US?
Well, most Americans have great respect for THE OFFICE OF THE
PRESIDENCY. After all, this is the position held by Washington,
Jefferson and Lincoln. (Not that most Americans know this!)
Still most, indeed, a majority of Americans would consider
it "unpatriotic" to be "against" the president FOR ANY REASON!
They respect and rely on THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT to do their
thinking for them. And, that gives them plenty of time to watch
ESPN, and MTV and the Food and HG Channel.
And, of course, "fluff news" on the broadcast networks. Some can
even "parrot" something Dan Rather said yesterday, as "their opinion!"
Secondly, Americans respect THE PERSON OF THE PRESIDENT. The person
holding the office of president is vested with a certain credibility
that Americans accept ipso facto, and without question. The current
holder of that postion is Dubya.
Americans lack the seperation of "head of state" from "head of
government," and that is unfortunate, but alas, it's too late to
change things now.
LASTLY THERE IS DUBYA WHO IS THE BOTH THE PERSON OF THE PRESIDENT AND
THE HOLDER OF THE HISTORIC OFFICE.
Many have given Dubya "a pass" on his inability to communicate, and
the resulting lack of diplomatic capacity on the world stage.
BUT, NOW COMES, DUBYA, THE CANDIDATE for PRESIDENT.
As a candidate for a second term, Dubya will lose the aura of the
presidency IN THE VOTING BOOTH!
PEOPLE WILL REALLY BE ASKING IN NOVEMBER 2004:
WHO SHOULD BE THE "NEXT PRESIDENT?"
HAS DUBYA'S FIRST TERM BEEN WORTHY OF A SECOND TERM?
HAVE THE LAST FOUR YEARS BEEN "WONDERFUL." AND IN WHAT WAY?
AT SOME POINT, PROBABLY AROUND OCTOBER 2004 DUBYA AND KERRY WILL
STAND BEFORE THE VOTERS, AS CANDIDATES FOR THE "NEXT PRESIDENCY."
AND THE QUESTION WILL BE SIMPLY:
FOUR MORE YEARS OF DUBYA?
OR, SHOULD WE TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
THE ONLY POLL THAT COUNTS IS THE ONE IN THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER
2004.
Postscript: Regarding Kerry's "political persona." He seems almost
like a Democratic "Bob Dole." That Kennedy "drone" is tiresome.
But for now, and until late summer, my hunch is that Kerry should
stay in the "rose garden," and be the NON-DUBYA alternative! The
less said the better. Perhaps, a VP that is more "light and cheery,"
and less senatorial would be advisable?
The Kerry Camp must know that Dubya is "self-destructing on every
front.
And, as any GOOD trial lawyer will tell you:
When The Judge is beating up on your opponent, DON'T SAY A WORD! LOOK
HUMBLE AND "NEEDY!" The minute you "pipe up" the Judge will turn on
you! My Advise to Kerry: JUST LET DUBYA KEEP TALKIN'! He's on
defense now. Save your offense for the last minute.
